Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Parent U series empowers families

 

Trauma-informed parenting (and mentoring!)

Parents and mentors in Spring Branch ISD recently gained strategies to help young people manage and cope with the stress and trauma of COVID-19 restrictions during two virtual presentations by Heather Lambert, of ClearHope Counseling & Wellness.

The licensed counselor shared signs and symptoms of the physical effects of trauma on children and teens, as well as its toll on mental, emotional, social and intellectual wellness. She explained that the impacts of trauma often mirror the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) such as restlessness, impatience, inattention and angry outbursts.

“I feel empowered to take action because I experienced what it might feel like for my children to encounter that [negative] energy,” said a parent in a post-event evaluation.

Lambert explained the importance of working towards an understanding of how children are experiencing the new realities of COVID-19. She provided communication and coping strategies for parents and mentors to use, and emphasized the importance of parents’ own self-care.

“The presenter shared very useful information and ways to implement things at home to support ourselves and our loved ones,” said another Parent U attendee. 

A recording and slide deck of Lambert’s “Resiliency in Challenging Times” presentation are available here.

Parent U archives and opportunities

A series of other Parent U online events this fall, presented in English and Spanish, focused on partnering with families to help their children prepare for the future with advanced coursework, and college applications, admissions and financial aid in the COVID-19 landscape. The presentations are archived here, and are hosted by the Family Education, Engagement and Empowerment (Family E3) team.

On November 12 from 6-7 p.m., parents of young students (K-2nd grade) are invited to a Parent U Zoom presentation, in English or Spanish, on the topic of Navigating the ReadSBISD Parent Guide. More information and registration are here

During GenTX week, November 16-20, more Parent U Zoom sessions are scheduled in the evening. Information and registration links are here.

“I am grateful for these learning opportunities,” said a parent on a recent Parent U evaluation. “It is wonderful that SBISD goes beyond teaching our students and gives parents tools to do things better at home as well.”