Parent Resources

Major events in the world often raise questions and cause fears among children. This document compiles information gathered by our Round Rock ISD Social Workers to support parents in talking to their kids about the Ukraine-Russia conflict, share grief and loss resources, address the unique needs of military families, and suggestions on where to find additional mental health supports.

Ranging from online calming rooms to suicide prevention to transitioning to middle school, Round Rock ISD Counseling Services has a hub of resources to support parents & guardians as they navigate the myriad of concerns we might encounter as we raise our kids.

Good study habits are essential to the success of a student at all levels of education, but good habits can be very different for younger vs. older students. Check out this website for some ideas on how to start your child on the path to learning and establishing good study habits, regardless of their age.

The State of Texas requires all students enrolled in public schools to attend 90% of the time or more. Fifty percent of students who miss 2-4 school days by October will go on to miss a month or more of school. To remain at 90%+ attendance, RRISD students must not miss more than 16 days per school year... which may not sound like much. However, a student who is absent for 16 days of school will miss important instruction in the subject areas of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, art/music/PE, and social-emotional learning... totalling at least 97 lessons taught by a certified instructor! We are available to visit with you (and/or your child) about your child's regular, on-time attendance if you have concerns or are struggling with getting your child to school on time. Check out this website's 10 facts about school attendance and learn more about RRISD's attendance policy on pages 13-16 of RRISD's Elementary School Handbook.

This parent/guardian resource page features a host of helpful websites and videos for supporting your children through this difficult pandemic and time of school closure. Included are kid-friendly videos to teach them about the Novel Coronavirus, with tips.

This community resource page features resources that may help people experiencing hardship or needing any type of assistance during this crisis.

I will continue to update these pages with more resources as I find them.

Worried about the stress, anxiety, and self-regulation struggles on the rise among our youth? Let's put down the screens and head outdoors for some unstructured play! I found this review of a book, titled "Balanced and Barefoot" by Angela J. Hanscom, which has some great ideas for parents on how to increase time outside and amongst nature. Check out the article with some of the recommendations and ideas highlighted!

It is estimated that 1 in 20 teens and preteens will have an episode of major depression during their adolescent years. Do you know the warning signs/symptoms of depression in children and adolescents? Check out this website for more information regarding this medical illness and how to support your child's mental health.

Please click the links below for information on helping your children cope with grief after a death or loss. There are many resources at these sites, including a developmental guide to what kids might experience and understand about death, book suggestions, grief and bereavement resources in our area, a list of how to support kids in their grief, etc.

Supporting Children: Grief and Loss

Grieving Student

Ever find yourself asking, "How was your day?" to your child, to which his/her response is some variation of "fine"? How about "What did you do in school today?" followed by "nothing"? If you're wanting to stimulate more conversation with your child about his/her day, try more specific, open-ended questions.

Check out this website for 100 ideas on conversation starters. You may also consider a daily routine in your family to encourage open sharing, like playing 'high-low-interesting' or 'roses and thorns' where everyone in the family shares something positive (high/roses), challenging (low/thorns), and interesting or just something they want to share about their day.