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Dear parents and colleagues,
Recently, I have been hearing a very strong theme emerge nationally and locally regarding 2 ideas: that we may be pushing our kids too hard towards success and at the same time, we are overprotecting them from experiencing any kind of hardship (which they need to build coping skills and character). We all want the same for our kids: for them to be happy and healthy. But in a culture that does value achievement, how do we find balance? Part of finding those answers is taking an honest look at the message kids are receiving and working harder to make sure they have the skillls to deal with whatever curveballs life may throw.
I'd like to highlight an event that KidsMatter is hosting tonight that sheds light on the issue of the stress our youth are experiencing. The documentary film called "Race to Nowhere" will be shown at 7 pm at Good Shepherd Church. It was inspired by a series of wake-up calls concerning the relentless pressure to perform that children face today. Local health and human service agencies, including NCO, will be present before and after the film to share their resources. I urge you to attend this event as food for thought so we can keep a conversation going in our community that helps us figure out how to find that balance. NCO (soon to be 360 Youth Services) offers a number of programs that aim to equip kids and parents with essential strategies for dealing with challenges from standing up to bullying, to learning how to truly like yourself, to setting positive and realistic goals. For more information on our counseling, WINGS mentoring program, ACES groups for 4th & 5th graders or upcoming social confidence workshops for teens, please go to our website.
And for closing thoughts, I am including a link (below) to an article that explores the impact of shielding kids from "failure" and discomfort. It is a lengthy, but worthwhile article that may give you pause about they ways kids are being shaped by the adults in their lives. While the title of the article may make you think it might be good for NCO's future business to let things stay the way they are, I'll take my chances and hope you each find something useful to positively change the life of a child!
Thank you for reading and we hope to see you tonight at the screening of Race to Nowhere.
Kari Wittmann Lata Clinical Director 360 Youth Services, dba NCO Youth & Family Services
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