Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, as it serves to remind me of ALL that I am grateful for. Because it is an exceedingly long list, I will note only a few things here: the chance to encourage young people, the opportunity to be part of a strong and caring community, and the ability to work with parents who are tremendously supportive of our efforts. I am also grateful for my wonderful family and friends! 

 

The research on the “practice” of being grateful is unequivocal and has benefits, not just during Thanksgiving. It is associated with good health and improved general well-being and is one of the skills that we practice with our students at school on a consistent basis.

 

Thanks, as well, to everyone who was able to attend our Parent Association Meeting and SPEAK lecture on Friday, November 13. Our featured speaker was Morgan Beidleman, a principal at REACH and an expert on adolescent development. The focus of her talk was the development of executive function skills in young people. I have attached her slides and a link to the recording of her talk below. Please note that the PA meeting starts 3 minutes in to the recording. (You are welcome to watch me stare at the camera, but in my opinion, it is not particularly exciting.) Thanks.

 

Morgan provided a wide variety of insights into the development of executive function skills and the ways that parents can support their children in this important area. One of the things that she emphasized, and that I would like to repeat, is that, while these skills can be practiced and supported, there is a maturational timeline that we can’t ignore. Current research indicates that our children may be 28-30 years old before the hard wiring is fully in place. She also reminded us that progress in this area is far from linear. Kids will take steps forward and back on the road to greater self-regulation. This means that our efforts will require patience and good humor during Middle School and beyond.

Click here to see the slides.

 

Be safe, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving Vacation; if I can be helpful in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best,

Bill