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What Do I Tell My Children??

Emotions are very high, but before I get started I have a disclaimer: THIS BLOG IS NOT ABOUT EITHER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE...this is about us as parents.

I have seen countless posts saying "Now what do I tell my children?" and I can't help but feel compelled to answer that and offer a few humble suggestions. First things first, it's safe to say some of us are very emotional today. When our emotions get the best of us we tend to do and say things we may regret later...or maybe not...but  I've seen more foul language on my face book news feed than a Tarantino movie!!  Your message will resonate more without the insults, foul language, and all the name calling I am seeing today. The next time you want to resort to name calling- and I tell this to the students I speak to all the time- stop for a moment, take a deep breath- ask yourself would I want someone to call me this?? or better yet...how would you feel if someone spoke to my child this way??

This is a friendly reminder you are being watched. Your body language, your tone... your words are being heard by little growing minds. So choose accordingly. Your children will remember how they feel based on the environment YOU create for them. Am I saying let's ignore our emotions and pretend like nothing has happened- no way!! What I am saying is explain why you are sad or happy.
Now is a great time to explain we don't always get what we want, or on the opposite side of the spectrum, why we don't gloat when we win. Teach them to be graceful winners as well as graceful losers. Take this time to talk about both emotions. Take this time to teach them, some of your classmates may be happy today, and some may be sad. Let them know BOTH EMOTIONS ARE OK. Now is THE perfect time to teach about our differences, acceptance and tolerance.

If they are scared because of what they hear at school take time to address those fears - teach them that hate can not change hate. Please do not send them to school to breed more hate. You have the power as parents to make a change- it begins with us at home.

Let me say that again- It all begins with us at home.

Now is the perfect time to teach about hope. To teach that we are more the same than different. Dig deep this week and realize WE are setting the tone. If anything, let's be thankful for this learning opportunity to teach whatever lesson we choose- but please, let's not choose to teach hate.

May God bless us and our country...



Until next time,
"Be Kind. Make a Difference"
Mrs. Illinois International 2016


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