Webinar to share strategies for parents to give teens for stability

MADISON – Madison City Schools’ latest installment for the “Mental Health Matters” initiative will be the webinar, “Building Executive Functioning Skills.”

“Don’t miss our latest virtual learning series,” Stephanie Allen said. Allen works as MCS District Mental Health Coordinator. “The webinar can help your child in planning skills, time management, paying attention and decision making.”

The webinar will be available on April 7 from 11 a.m. to noon.

This webinar is designed to help parents learn about the importance of emotional regulation skills and the ways to help build these skills in children and teenagers.

“’Building Executive Functioning Skills’ is a webinar session designed to support these common concerns parents are facing that can impact students both academically and socially,” Allen said.

“Parents — Does your child or teen struggle with organization and planning skills, time management, self-control, decision making or paying attention? This webinar is for you,” Allen said.

Parents can expect to learn more about executive functioning skills and practices that help build these skills with a child at home.

The session is free and open to everyone, but registration is required to receive the link to log on. The webinar will be recorded, and the link will be shared afterwards to individuals who registered on the MCS website in the “Mental Health Matters” section. To register, visit https://www.madisoncity. k12.al.us/domain/2411. Near the top of the window, click the link labeled “Click here for MHM Webinar Registration.”

The Enrichment Center will present this session (theenrichmentcenter. org). The center is a school-based counseling program for mental health in Madison City. Schools. The Enrichment Center’s website contains great resources for parents and students.

Mental health occupies an important part of children’s health – not just adults. For many adults with mental disorders, symptoms were present but often not recognized in youth.

For youth, the earlier treatment starts, the more effective it can be. Early treatment can help prevent more severe, lasting problems as a child matures.

Lasting weeks or months, behavioral symptoms can interfere with the child’s daily life at home, at school or with friends:

• Having frequent tantrums, showing irritation often, constant fidgeting and worrying.

• Complaining about frequent stomachaches or headaches without a medical cause.

• Sleeping too much/ too little, having frequent nightmares or feeling drowsy during daytime.

• Struggling academically or experiencing a recent decline in grades.

Adolescents may benefit from an evaluation when these conditions apply:

• Losing interest in activities that they formerly enjoyed.

• Spending more time alone and avoiding social activities with friends or family.

• Dieting or exercising excessively or fearing weight gain.

• Engaging in self-harm behaviors, such as cutting or burning their skin.

• Smoke/vaping, drinking alcohol or using drugs.

“Remember: You are not alone! Reach out for help,” Allen said. “Contact key people at school. The school counselor is a great resource to start. Teachers can also provide insight.”

“Text to Protect is a confidential way for students to report concerns that may affect our students or schools via text or email — 256-604-2345 or texttoprotect@ madisonal.gov,” Allen said.