August 19th, 2010 by El Ed Mom

Now that summer is ending, many of us are thinking about the upcoming school year and how to create an atmosphere of success for our children. Regardless of age, a blank notebook, a fresh backpack, new pencils, pens, markers, and/or crayons should be joyful and yet, for many children, it elicits feelings of insecurity and fear of failure.  It is up to us, as parents and educators, to make certain that our kids are emotionally, socially, cognitively, and physically ready to meet new challenges.  Children need guidance, time, and reminders in order to successfully transition from the more carefree days of summer to the more rigorous routines of the school year. Proper manners should be reinforced, kindness acknowledged, reading, listening, and practicing skills encouraged and healthy eating and sleeping patterns enforced. Since children mimic our attitudes and behaviors, it is critical to speak in positive ways about the school year, teachers, school, and curriculum.  It is also important to set realistic expectations so that your child/children can tackle their new experiences and challenges with self confidence and with the knowledge that you will be both their cheerleader and confidant. Please note that I am not encouraging parents to make excuses for or to complete assignments for children, but rather, am advocating an environment of open dialogue, where discussions focus on both positive and negative emotions, behaviors, and experiences. 
Creating a solid foundation is critical to buildings constructed from brick and mortar as well as those more gentle structures made up of feelings, ideas, and knowledge.  Let’s work together towards building a foundation that supports a love for learning, a respect for self and others, and a dedication to excellence, diligence, and empathy.

I wish everyone a successful and lovely school year!!

Magical Educating!

Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com

August 13th, 2009 by El Ed Mom

Do you remember when your child was little and the “I wanna be a “ would change from week to week, and sometimes daily?  Some of their ideas were way out there, like Superhero or Princess.  Other times it was something more achievable, like fireman or teacher.  And being the good parent you would always say “Of course, you can be anything you want to be!”
 
Now that they are teens, have you asked them lately what they want to be?  It’s important for kids to have goals, both little and big.  Due to experiences the goals may change, and that’s ok.  It’s also important for them to realize they may not reach every goal.  Maybe their passions have changed, the goals were too large, or life intervened.  It happens, and they need to learn how to handle the goals not achieved, as well as to celebrate those they do achieve.

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