Counselor's Corner

Email: judy.horner@taneyville.k12.mo.us

Parent Resources

resources occr-counseling-040120.pdf

School = Safety Zone

In adolescence, many changes and challenges are happening. Some are wonderful, while others are extrememly difficult! Each child handles the situations that may arise differently which leads parents and adolescents wonder: How do I know if someone needs help or is this just a "rough patch?"

The SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program teaches students what to do when they are worried about a friend by remembering the ACT message.

Acknowledge that you are seeing signs of depression or suicide in a friend, which is SERIOUS.

Care: Let your friend know that you care and that you are concerned that he or she needs help in which you cannot provide.

Tell a trusted adult. You can even take a friends with you if you don't want to go alone.

Is My Child Being Bullied?

Sometimes, kids will not seek help when they are being bullied. It is important for parents to recognize the signs.

  • Unexplained Injuries

  • Difficulty Sleeping

Lost or Destroyed personal items

  • Changes in Eating Habits

  • Frequent Headaches/Stomachaches

Parents can take steps to address bullying. Talk to your child and document what's happening and talk to the school.

Do you know the signs to look for if your child is bullying others?

  • Getting into physical or verbal fights

  • Becoming increasingly aggressive

  • Getting sent to the principal's office

  • Has friends that bully others

  • Blaming others

  • Having unexplained extra money

Moody vs. Depressed

It's very easy for parents to assume that most adolescent outbursts are the result of hormones, stress, and a changing brain. How can you tell if your child's moodiness is actually depression, anxiety, or something else?

There are 3 things to consider when you're assessing your child's moods

1. Severity: Keep an eye on your child's emotions. The more severe the signs are, the more likely it is that he or she may be depressed or troubled in some way.

2. Duration: How long is the distressed mood lasting? If it seems to be lasting for a couple of weeks, it could be your child is struggling and needs help.

3. Different areas of life: is your child acting out at home and struggling at school? Noticing changes in multiple venues may signify a mood disorder instead of just moodiness.