Question: Based on your experience,
what kind of “life happens event” poten-
tially triggers depression or anxiety in
school age children? (You may contextualize
the response based on ages/grades)
Dr. Dédé: Death, natural disasters,
loss of housing, and separation of parents
are a few of the many events that could
potentially trigger depression or anxiety in
children and youth. Essentially, any major
life change could trigger symptoms of
depression or anxiety. How adults, within
close proximity, respond to these events
could significantly impact how children will
respond in the moment and in the future
when other unexpected changes happen.
Question: How do you characterize the
relationship between a strong supportive
Christian family (as prescribed in Deuter-
onomy 6:3-9) with achievement in school
(K-12)?
Dr. Dédé: Before I delve into the rela-
tionship between a strong supportive Chris-
tian family and achievement in school,
let’s pause to reflect on Deuteronomy 6:3-9.
In summary, these scriptures show how
following God’s teachings will lead to a long
life with positive outcomes. The children
of Israel were encouraged to pass on these
teachings to their children and grandchil-
dren so that they would receive the same
outcomes. As this relates to the relation-
ship between a strong supportive Christian
family and achievement, there are principles
taught within Christian families that will
have a positive impact on children’s achieve-
ment in a school setting. For example, Chris-
tianity encourages total reliance on God, respect
for figures in authority, respect for the rights
of others, and respect for self, to name a few.
Living out these principles would naturally
increase a child’s confidence, perseverance,
motivation, and access to positive relation-
ships with peers and adults.
Do not withhold discipline from a
child; if you punish them with the
rod, they will not die.
Proverbs 23:13-14
Question: What options do parents
have if their children seem to be discour-
aged with the school setting or the school
learning environment? How should parents
intervene with school personnel if they
suspect a child is discouraged by the
learning environment?
Dr. Dédé: Parents always have the right
to discuss their concerns about the school
learning environment with school personnel.
However, parents oftentimes don’t know
how to approach the subject in an effective
way. If it’s a classroom level issue, I strongly
encourage parents to schedule a meeting
with the classroom teacher, first, to discuss
concerns. Unless there is clear evidence of
a wrong that has been committed, parents
should be prepared to discuss their behav-
ioral observations of their child and share
some insight as well as strategies they have
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