Blog

When it comes to helping kids grow, both in and out of the classroom, one of the most powerful tools we have is simple: communication. More specifically, communication that begins early and comes from a place of positivity and partnership. Start Early. Stay Connected. Reaching out to families early, before any issues arise, sets the tone for a strong and trusting relationship. When parents hear from you when things are going well, not just when there are problems, they feel like true partners in …

It’s that time of year again! Crisp mornings and earlier sunsets signal more than just the end of summer. They also mean back-to-school shopping, homework help, and the start of fall sports.  In many ways, school is like a team sport. You have players and supportive leaders who work together to create a culture of learning, growth, and success. But just like in sports, not every player follows the rules of good conduct. In fact, bullying, whether verbal, physical, relational, or cyber …

​​The following ​is a Q&A with Boys Town Behavioral expert, Dr. Patricia Gisbert, on some of the most common questions parents have about using praise with their younger children. Q: What is Praise? A: More than anything else, children want and need the attention of ​their parents and they will do anything to get it. Praise is the positive attention and approval children crave from their parents. Unfortunately, we often tend to give children negative attention only when they are doing s …

Do you like parent-teacher conferences? Hearing that your little Tommy is excelling in his studies can be awesome. Hearing that your little Tessa is easily distracted and disruptive can be alarming. Every parent-teacher conference has the potential to bring up fraught emotions. But if you can proactively put yourself in a positive mindset and adopt a collaborative attitude, you can make the experience much less stressful and much more rewarding. Remember: This is an awesome opportunity to connec …

From grief to puberty and everything in between, parents and teachers are bound to face tough conversations with their children. As school counselors, we’re often the ones helping to guide these moments, whether we’re supporting families, talking to teachers, or navigating difficult conversations ourselves.  Here are a few go-to strategies I use myself, as well as tips I frequently share with families and staff to help support making tough conversations easier. Tips for Parents …

Children of all ages thrive when given clear, structured expectations. These expectations help to create a predictable and consistent environment that feels safe. When children feel safe, they’re more likely to display positive behaviors and meet expectations successfully. The Basics of Setting Expectations At Boys Town, we like to say, “If you can predict it, you can plan for it.” Think about the moments in the day that tend to bring out negative reactions in your child, such …

Back-to-school season can stir up a lot of emotions for kids, especially for Generation Alpha. These are the first kids to grow up fully in the digital age. Their brains are constantly absorbing information, sounds, and screens, which keeps their nervous systems more activated than ever. That’s why understanding what’s happening underneath their behavior matters. Big emotions aren’t random; they’re part of how the brain and body work together. Here’s the simple vers …

How would you feel if you were dropped off in the middle of a big city in a foreign country and told, “Have a great day! I’ll pick you up in 6 hours”?  Would you be scared? Excited? Anxious? Confused?   The first day of kindergarten is a lot like that scenario, and many 5-year-olds will feel a mix of all those emotions. Starting school is a big step for little ones – and for those who love them! The first time you drop your child off at school can be extremely h …

Deciding how to invest in your learning environment is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. We all understand that a well-equipped, engaging, and supportive classroom enhances student learning and fosters a positive school culture. But turning that understanding into an every day reality can be challenging. So how and where should we invest in our classrooms to ensure ongoing, continuous success? Key areas to consider include…    Enhancing Classroom Resources Enhanc …

Part 3: How to build and sustain your personal self-care system Develop a self-care system that works best for you. Start small by making one change at a time. Eventually, this change will become second nature and more like a habit. Once one practice feels like a natural part of your routine, you can add another. Small, consistent changes to your daily routine can lead to big improvements in your well-being over time. Taking care of yourself is essential – especially if you’re a scho …