Resources for Parents
Breaking!
Talking About the News
Figuring out ways to talk about the news can be a challenge... here are some helpful tips for talking to children of all ages.
Talking About the Tough Stuff
When trying to talk through difficult subjects with children, we can sometimes be at a loss for words. Common Sense Media has some tips for talking to kids ages 2 and up about the tough stuff.
Diversity - Talking About Race
Awareness of Your Own Biases
Take an Implicit Bias Test and become aware of your blindspots.
Read and Talk With Your Children
Here are some book lists that might be helpful in your search for literature to help you and your child(ren) have conversations about race and racism.
Tips for Talking to Your Children
These articles have information to help you with having conversations with your children that are developmentally appropriate.
Watch this with a parent or grandparent and talk with them about what you learn.
Animation: Something Has Happened In Our Town, A Child's Story About Racial Injustice
Watch this with your child(ren) and use it to open conversations about race, history, and current events in an age appropriate way.
Animation: Before She Was Harriet
Another conversation starter. Talking is so important to help your child(ren) understand, feel heard, and process emotions.
Animation: The Other Side
Another animated book for you and your child(ren) to watch together.
theyre-not-too-young-1.pdfThey're Not Too Young
This PDF is from The Children's Community School, with clickable links to access more resources.
Diversity - Talking About All Topics
Check out this article for a wide array of resources:
100 Race-Conscious Things You Can Say to Your Child to Advance Racial Justice: A resource for talking about race with young children
Mental Health Resources
Mental Health/Parenting Support
The stresses of life are ever changing for all families. On this podcast, Dr. Rebecca Branstetter shares How to Press the Reset Button When Your Child Gives Up. All can benefit from these tips in the podcast, especially right now. There are also resources available at the bottom of the podcast information.
Well-Being Calendar.pdfWell-Being Calendar
This calendar can be used with your kids starting any week of any month. Thank you to Everyday Speech for creating this helpful tool for families.
Kimochis Materials
Kimochis_FeelingsChart_Letter.pdfFeelings Faces
These fun faces can be used to teach emotion identification, one step towards empathy and understanding of their own and others' emotions more deeply, as well as emotional regulation.
Ways to Talk About Feelings Kimochi.pdfTalking About Feelings
Learn about different ways to talk about feelings with your child. Ask them how they're feeling then ask if they'd like to share that angry/sad/upset story with you.
Common Sense Media
This organization provides ample resources for parents and families to navigate the world of parenting in the digital age. Scroll through their site for information you can utilize at all stages of your child's development, and that your child can utilize in their own learning.
Disabilities Awareness
Inclusion is our goal in Lafayette School District. Click this link for thoughts from The Mighty.
CA Dyslexia Guidelines.pdfDyslexia
This resource has an amazing amount of information regarding dyslexia.
Smart Phones
There are many factors each family considers when deciding the best time to get your child(ren) a smart phone or device. The New York Times weighs in on this conversation.
Social Media & Mental Health
Resource from the U.S. Surgeon General for parents, caregivers, and teachers.
Model the media use you want your children to exhibit.
Be curious - Talk to your children about what they do on social media, ask them what they like about the apps they use, what purpose do the apps serve in their lives, what role do apps serve in their friendships?
Talk to them about what might happen when you aren’t with them, if they find something inappropriate, if pressured by friends online, if asked to engage with an app they’ve agreed to not use, how to deal with interpersonal conflict online.
Think about what you need to see your child do so you know you can trust your child will be using media appropriately without intensive monitoring. Communicate that you are available in case your child runs into a situation they cannot handle.
Think about where devices should be at night. Children admit to using media late in the night.
