BUILDING CONNECTIONS Jandrucko helps parents effectively communicate with their children
Dr . Sarah K . Jandrucko Academy for
Early Learners recently wrapped up Pre-K Parent Academies , where families learned how to communicate and build connections with their child . Something as simple as letting your child choose their own shirt to wear at school can decrease power struggles , boost confidence and help them become life ready by making their own decisions .
Dr . Sarah K . Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners counselor Malitha Nguyen tells parents that deep breathing techniques are useful to adults and children alike .
The Academies , hosted by Texas Wesleyan University and the MISD bilingual department , were divided into six sessions covering a variety of topics . Sessions were offered in both English and Spanish . During the first session , attendees were asked about their parenting concerns . Most parents expressed that they were worried about how to handle discipline .
“ With this in mind , we set out to meet those needs by equipping our parents with skills on how to actively parent their child ,” said Ana González , Jandrucko bilingual pre-k teacher and session instructor . “ When parents understand their child ’ s needs , engage positively with their child and discipline them with logical consequences , children learn to regulate their own feelings and learn how to follow rules .”
Jandrucko counselor Malitha Nguyen discussed active parenting techniques that families can use in situations that might otherwise end in a power struggle .
For example , when a child refuses to get dressed for school , instead of forcing them to wear one shirt , offer a choice of two or three shirts and offer plenty of time to get dressed . Nguyen says teachers at her campus use the choice technique in the classroom , and it ’ s typically successful .
Additionally , if your child struggles with anger , it ’ s helpful to offer a calming space or practice breathing techniques . Calming spaces are available to students on campus , and Nguyen said she teaches students new breathing techniques every two weeks during her social and emotional learning classes .
“ Deep breathing techniques are not only for students , but beneficial for adults , too ,” Nguyen said . “ There is a physiological response that happens when we breathe . It increases oxygen to the brain and lowers the stress hormone cortisol . Instead of reacting in anger , we have to learn to respond .”
Nguyen said that holding your child and taking deep breaths together can help everyone calm down .
Mom of two , Modupe Omolade ,
says the sessions have been helpful because she has learned how to reason with her kids and talk through situations instead of imposing her ideas to redirect their behavior .
“ It ’ s helping me a lot to understand them better and communicate better .” As a result , she says her children are happy and they ’ re more open to talking with her .
“ My eldest said ‘ Mommy I want you to be nice like this ’,” Omolade said . “ That really got me .”
González said that these sessions are helping students because parents are learning how to handle their children ’ s emotional needs , which affects their learning and success . What ’ s more , parents in the sessions are sharing their own strategies with one another .
“ Overall , I would say the most beautiful benefit I have noticed has been seeing our parents form relationships with other parents , working together and relying on each other to learn ,” said González .
Dr . Sarah K . Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners offered six sessions to campus parents covering subjects including active parenting and redirecting behavior .
Dad of two , Luis Zepeda , was already using some of the strategies taught in the Academies , but says he ’ s learned even more forms of communication during the sessions .
“ By being able to communicate better with our kids , we give them tools so they don ’ t feel stuck – they grow .”
10 MANSFIELDTODAY