My hardest days at work are the ones where I am sitting with a suicidal teenager. Unfortunately, it is far more common in the South Bay than many people would guess.

I could see her guard coming down as she looked at me. “Mom, sometimes I study for a test and I do well on it and other times I study the same amount and I fail it, so I’ve stopped trying because it doesn’t seem to matter anymore.”

“In a blink of an eye, my husband and I found ourselves raising a teenager. Always active in the lives of our three sons, ages 15, 12, and 9, nothing quite prepared us for the terrain of our eldest son's adolescent landscape.” Kelly

I recently learned about the concept of Highly Sensitive People, and realized that one of my children absolutely exhibited so many of the traits associated with highly sensitive people. I can’t help but wish I had been able to identify this trait, make her aware of it, and help her navigate a daily routine more compatible with her biological predisposition.

In my first two blogs I discussed the pitfalls and challenges parents face regarding their children’s usage of technology. I explored the importance of parents developing the mindset of becoming “digital parents” and the benefits of conversations wherein technology can be realistically discussed and managed in the home. This blog will address the strategies and interventions that might be additionally helpful

As every individual has a unique view of his or her world, finding the way to an improved outlook or emotional perspective must come from within.

It is important to remember a bully’s opinion can never be your truth. It is crucial to know that what will really hurt you is not the bullying.  What really does damage is whether you keep that anger and hurt in your heart, because that is what’s really hard to fix.  Stand up for yourself. You have more strength than you can imagine.

Homework, projects, exams, college applications, after school activities, sports, games, and so on. There’s so much going on that causes stress and anxiety…and I’m talking about us parents! Yes, you, me, us. As I start my 21st year as an educator, eight of which were as a principal, I’ve come to realize just how impactful parents are at reducing, or, increasing the stress level in their child…and many times we don’t even know it. 

  Becoming a “digital media parent” requires one to be aware of how one’s own relationship with technology is being modeled. One’s own behavior and attitude will set the tone for whether technology can be a positive source for learning and entertainment or a substitute for conversation, boredom, and responsibility

What is the conversation required when speaking to the topic of parenting and technology? How does one implement a roadmap for parents to follow yet continue to anticipate and prepare for the ever-changing climate of technology?

No topic seems to come up among South Bay parents as frequently, and with such growing alarm, as teens and technology. Is it even possible to keep up with all of these apps? How do we effectively establish and enforce boundaries around screen time? And what should the boundaries be? We get it. As technology continues to evolve, so does its role in our children's lives. It’s clear that it significantly impacts everything from our children’s sleep patterns to their overall mental health and sense of self, both in the short and the long term. The good news? There is sound, research-driven advice from experts that can help guide us as we navigate this complex issue. 

Just as every adult processes grief a little differently, the same is true of children. As I like to continually remind the grieving people and organizations we serve, “Normal grief symptoms and feelings span a very wide road.”  In most cases, the overwhelming, intense emotions and behaviors a child may be experiencing fall well within the normal range, especially in the immediate aftermath of a tragic loss.  The list of symptoms below are considered normal responses to a traumatic event but, they should begin to subside after first 24-48 hours.

It is with great appreciation that we announce Mitzi Cress, Principal, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, as the South Bay Families Connected Inspiration Award recipient for the 2016-2017 school year. Her limitless dedication to, and advocacy for teen wellness and substance use prevention serve as an inspiration to all who strive to improve the lives of youth.

Following are thoughts from just some of the people who have been inspired by Mitzi. Be sure not to miss Eliza Santarosa’s piece at the end for a moving overview of some of the ways Mitzi has impacted our community, as well as the ripple effect that she has set in motion.

 In the last two years, we have ramped up our focus on student stress here in MBUSD, and we are not alone.  We have joined other districts with a similar interest through Stanford’s Challenge Success initiative.  We study the issue with 6 other high performing districts across the country in the 21st Century Superintendents’ Consortium.  So please allow me to give you some of my thoughts about AP classes and student stress.

Many kids and adults have heard of the show “13 Reasons Why” (2017) released on Netflix. The show is based on a bestselling novel called 13 Reasons. Both the show and book are about a teen girl's retrospective look at reasons why she committed suicide, which she articulates in audio tapes and mails to 13 people on the day of her death. The book/show includes graphic discussion of rape, underage drinking, sexism, and survivor's guilt.

People often ask me what my secret is to peace and serenity amongst the chaos of raising five children and working full time as an elementary school teacher. I'm writing this blog to share that answer with South Bay Families Connected parents. This is also a story of how my own children have benefited.