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Our first christmas without grammy

12/7/2022

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For so many, the holidays bring added pressure not only to celebrate, but also to feel happy and grateful. This can become overwhelming at times, especially when combined with other aspects that highlight the absence of a person who has died. This is the first holiday season since my mother-in-law died in February.  our family is still grieving (6 people at different stages/ages), trying to cope, and find our new "normal".  Foods, decorations, and traditions can be comforting, but they can also trigger emotions while grieving a death. The links below have information you can use to help take care of yourself and those close to you during the holiday season.

Getting through the Holidays Worksheet
www.dougy.org/assets/uploads/TDC_Holiday_Tip_Sheet__Worksheet_2.pdf
Dealing with Grief During the Holidays
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201512/how-deal-grief-during-the-holidays
​Tips for Coping During the Holidays
https://whatsyourgrief.com/64-tips-grief-at-the-holidays/

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How to connect with your child

11/7/2022

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Do you ever feel like there is just not enough time to do it all?  Children NEED connection and you have limited time.  Instead of making yourself feel guilty about not spending more time with your child,  focus on what you CAN do to make your child feel seen and valued.    
​
 “The Most Important 9 Minutes of Each Day,” is a game-changing tip to impact your child’s mindset, brain development and well-being! Try it, and let us know how it goes!  
~Dr. Martin and Miss Piroli 

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Does your child worry?

10/3/2022

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April is stress awareness month!

3/29/2022

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April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the deep pervasiveness of stress and how to spread awareness about healthy ways to cope. This month is a great opportunity for everyone to revisit and reprioritized healthy and productive stress relief strategies.
Stress is incredibly common affecting two in three adults, according to the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America 2020 report. It can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of current circumstances or situations. Stress can also cause physical health problems from headaches and stomach aches to stroke and heart disease. With healthy coping mechanisms, however, we can all take better care of ourselves.
Here’s a few helpful tips to reduce stress:
  • Avoid caffeine, which can increase heart rate and anxiety.
  • Take a hot bath and allow the heat to reduce muscle tension.
  • Turn to your relaxing hobbies, such as reading, cooking, and listening to music.
  • Schedule recreation, which is essential for physical and mental health, and get outside to exercise, play, and experience other outdoor activities.
  • Breathe deeply, slowly inhaling for a count of four, exhaling for a count of four, and repeating until you feel calm.
  • Seek professional help if needed. If you or a family member would like help finding a mental health care or substance use treatment provider, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential coordination service provided by Horry County Schools:
    • Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in any language.
    • Visit caresolace.com/horrycounty and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
As a district we are committed to the well-being of our students, staff, and families. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you manage or cope with your stress. We’re all in this together.
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Hacking our Happiness Hormones!

8/30/2021

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Hello PDE Family!  The news has been super heavy recently.  So many sad and scary things; and most of them completely out of our control.  It's easy to feel hopeless.
​
Here are some helpful strategies to "hack" into our Happiness Hormones. :)
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That discomfort you're feeling is grief...

3/1/2021

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Hello Parents!

Click here to check out the following article: That Discomfort You're Feeling Is Grief.

Below you will find two grounding exercises mentioned in the article that are helpful for children and adults, alike! :) 
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Developing Good Sleep Habits!

2/5/2021

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With students returning to school 5 days, ensuring that they have quality sleep is crucial for academic success.  Check out the information below from the CDC and Sleep Foundation!
Perfecting Your Child's Bedtime Routine
One of the easiest ways to set your child up for good sleep is by creating a bedtime routine.  The good news is that it only takes a few nights of following a bedtime routine to see improvements in your child's sleep.

What is a bedtime routine, and what are the benefits?
Bedtime routines are consistent, repetitive set of activities that are carried out before bed every night.  They help prepare your child for sleep by having them relax and wind down.  A predictable routine also gives your child a sense of security and teaches them how to fall asleep on their own. 


How to build a bedtime routine for kids...
A bedtime routine for kids usually consists of three or four activities, for example, having a snack, brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and reading a book. These should always be done in the same order. To make the routine even more effective, start winding down the household by dimming the lights and turning off screens in the lead-up to bed.

Typical bedtime activities that have been shown to have beneficial effects on sleep include:
  • Nutritious snack or bottle/breastfeeding
  • Bath/Shower or diaper change
  • Brushing teeth and going to the bathroom
  • Reading a book
  • Lullaby or singing a song together
  • Massage, cuddling, and rocking
  • Talking about their day

The bedtime routine should culminate in a goodnight kiss and lights-out. You should leave the room while your child is sleepy but not asleep yet. This way they learn to fall asleep on their own, and they won’t panic if they wake up in the middle of the night and find you gone. Set a consistent bedtime that leaves enough time for your child to sleep the recommended amount of hours for their age.

Bedtime Dos & Don'ts

Do:
  • Do it every day: A nighttime routine for kids should consist of the same steps every night, or as many nights as possible. To get all the benefits, it’s important for both parents to participate in the bedtime routine where possible.
  • Keep it short and sweet: For most children, a bedtime routine should last around half an hour, or a little longer if there’s a bath included. Prolonging the routine can delay bedtime and makes it harder to implement on days when you’re short on time.
  • Keep it up during the day: Following a routine during the day, including setting clear limits, leads to increased sleep duration for young children. Getting lots of exercise, sunlight, and outdoor time during the day can also help them sleep better at night.
  • Listen to your child: Although you’re ultimately in charge, it’s not a bad thing to leave your child some liberty. If a part of the bedtime routine isn’t working for your child, listen to their concerns and adapt the routine if necessary.
  • Follow sleep hygiene rules: Keep the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet to promote sleep. If your child is scared of the dark, you can use a dim nightlight. Even after bedtime, noise levels in the rest of the house can keep young children awake, so try to transition to quieter activities once you’ve tucked the kids in.
  • Make gradual changes: Try not to introduce more than one change at a time to the bedtime routine, and consider delaying these if there are other changes going on, such as moving to a new house or starting school. As your child’s sleep needs change, shift bedtime by 15-minute increments each night.

Don’t:
  • Start when they’re already sleepy: Overtired children can be hyperactive or grumpy and will find it even harder to fall asleep, so try to start the routine before they start yawning.
  • Let them use screens: The blue light from television and other electronic devices has serious consequences for sleep if used too close to bedtime.
  • Let them run around: Your child should have plenty of opportunities to burn off steam during the day, but don’t let them work themselves into a frenzy at night or they’ll be too wired to sleep.
  • Give sugary treats or caffeine: Try to keep evening snacks light and healthy. Caffeine will keep kids awake, and sugary treats before bed can lead to cavities. Breakfast cereals, chocolate, and pudding can be sources of caffeine you may not expect. If your baby is bottle-feeding, remove the bottle before they fall asleep.
  • Read scary bedtime stories: Avoid scary stories and other mentally or physically stimulating activities before bed.
  • Let them sleep in on weekends: It’s tempting to catch up on sleep on non-schooldays, but straying more than an hour from the usual wake-up time can actually cause trouble falling asleep on weekdays.

​You can find the full article here: Perfecting Your Child's Bedtime Routine
 
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The "Hot Chocolate Talk"

1/4/2021

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Hello Parents - Happy New Year!

As we start this new year, your child will begin receiving instruction that meets the SCDE Erin's Law Standards.  “Erin’s Law” requires that all public schools in each state implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program which teaches students in preK-12th grade, age-appropriate techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and tell a trusted adult.

Below you will find some statistics, as well as a valuable parent guide, that you may find helpful in initiating and navigating these conversations with your child.  We hope you find them beneficial!
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Creating a daily schedule!

12/4/2020

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Hello Parents!  

Check out the infographic below!  While the title labels this as being designed for children with Autism, the strategies discussed in this resource are appropriate for ALL children and can be differentiated based on your child's age, developmental level, primary language and preferred learning style.  We have included a couple templates below for your family to use!
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Welcome PDE Parents!

11/17/2020

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Hello Parent/Guardians!

Welcome to our PDE Counseling & Family Support page.  This website is designed to support you.  Please take a moment to complete the Fall 2020 PDE Family Check-in Survey on the Home page.  Check back regularly for parent resources and other helpful information!
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  • HOME
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