Middle School Newsletter April 18th 2022

Apr 18

Written By PCS

I love quotes. I love stumbling across them, reading them and immediately thinking of someone. I will then often send that person the quote to let them know I am thinking of them. Other quotes can cause me to pause and reflect and inevitably I can see how it directly relates to my current circumstances. Here is one I read a few days ago:

Children don’t say, “I had a hard day, can we talk?” They say, “will you come play with me?”.

Read it again. Really hits home.

Parenting is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, responsibility we have. Helping our children navigate through these crucial teen years can be exhausting. I don’t say this to age us but life is so very different for our children. As they attempt to figure who they are and where they fit in they are also being bombarded with images and messages coming at them at lightning speed. Then we add the stress of this pandemic and it really is quite miraculous that they are holding it together as well as they are. Or are they actually barely hanging on?

They are often left feeling confused, lonely, hurting and angry. As parents I am sure we have all experienced a less than pleasant interaction with our child when they are upset. Teens often struggle to control how they react in the moment. Many times they can’t even identify what they are actually feeling, much less know how to respond appropriately. As adults we are here to love them unconditionally while giving appropriate consequences when necessary. We need to help give them the tools they need to regulate their emotions.

I know that at times I certainly could have handled these difficult situations better. What I've come to realize is that we all need grace. Grace for our children, one another and most importantly ourselves. Last week I had the privilege to talk with two different PCS parents who are also struggling. I am beyond grateful for their willingness to have such vulnerable and honest conversations. As I was ending the call I reminded them that they aren't in this alone and in that moment I realized I am also not in this alone! We are all, including our children, doing our best.

So, the next time my daughter asks me to go to the mall with her I will go because maybe this is her way of reaching out to let me know something is going on and she needs her mom but doesn’t know how to say that.

Please remember, I’m here to not only support your child but you too. Please reach out to me if you would ever like to talk.

Kindly,

Kim

314.645.9600 (607)~kwright@premiercharterschool.org

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