Snowballs or Avalanches: Which ones are more dangerous?
Dr. Yanni Rho, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Parent and Member of the Contra Costa County Suicide Prevention Coalition
The answer: Both can be! Avalanches are obvious; you see a sign while driving through the hills and are aware that there is danger and that your car could be covered in seconds.
Snowballs individually may not be a problem. But if you are thrown snowball after snowball after snowball, your car may be covered, maybe not in seconds, but it could be if the conditions are just right. And sometimes, what you think is a snowball can feel like an avalanche to your child/teen.
As parents and guardians, it’s important to watch for both avalanches and snowballs for ourselves as well in our teens’ lives as certain times in their lives may be more risky. Transitions or significant life events/traumas are a known factor that plays into depression and increases suicide risk for children and teens. Some examples are breakups, losing friend groups, family transitions, being bullied, etc.
Other things to notice that can increase risk are drug and alcohol use, depression and anxiety, poor sleep and eating habits, etc.
Make sure to touch base with your teens, and remember to respect their space and not be intrusive as well. This is easier said than done, but something that you can say (when your child/teen wants to be left alone) is “I just want to check in with you because I love you and want you to know that you can come to me when you are ready to talk. If you can’t talk to me, please make sure you are talking with someone who will support you.” And if they are willing to talk, validate their feelings and try not to minimize (eg. “Everything will be okay” or “it’s not a big deal”). Empathic and active listening can help open doors to deeper conversations.
Remember that even if they look or seem happy, they may be struggling inside, so watch for signs such as talking about suicide or death, feeling hopeless or guilty, pulling away from friends and family, losing desire to do their favorite activities, changes in personality, etc.
Fortunately, we have access to mental health/well-being resources, such as the Wellness centers at school, counselors, nurses, community providers such as pediatricians and therapists, psychiatrists, etc. Some of us may also have access to traditional healers, religious or spiritual leaders, and other communities of support. But we also have access to 988 Lifeline (text or call), the California Parent and Youth helpline (text, chat, or call), or Youthline peer support line in Oregon (open to all teens- call, text, chat, email). So feel free to utilize and share with others and your children. If you have questions or would like more support, feel free to reach out to parented@acalanesparentsclub.com.
Parent Education
INSIDE THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Thank you to everyone that came out to the library last Wednesday (and over 100 of you online) to hear directly from John Duarante about some behind the scenes information in the college admissions process. Debbie Levy, our head of the college and career counseling center, was a fantastic host!
In case you missed it, you can watch the zoom HERE (Passcode: dg93mEF*)
His biggest message was for students to make a really great “marketing packet” about themselves and their time in high school. He also made it clear that there are things students can control and things they cannot…and everyone should be looking to find the best fit for themselves and not their parents or friends.
Several parents have also asked for the A-Z list of his podcasts:
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS AND ESTATE PLANNING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS
Please join us for a workshop presented by special needs planning attorney, Jonathan Thompson*, on estate planning for children with special needs.
Special needs planning is a specialized area of the law that focuses on protecting public benefits for people with special needs, while at the same time facilitating a higher quality of life. Jonathan Thompson will provide information on special needs plans that can provide a framework for proper medical care and management of assets, as well as protect assets from creditors and predators. He will discuss the essential characteristics of special needs trusts, how they work and how to set one up.
To receive SEED High School updates, sign up for the high school newsletter here.
* Jonathan is an attorney with the Thompson Law Offices in Walnut Creek.
Parent Education
INSIDE THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Parents (and students!) of all grade levels are welcome to join an evening with Dr. John Durante, an educator who has interviewed over 200 college admissions representatives for his acclaimed “The College Admissions Process Podcast”. This event will take place on Wednesday, Apr 17 at 6pm* in the Acalanes library.
(*arrive early as we plan to start at 6pm sharp, as Dr. Durante will be joining us from New York City)
This event will be moderated by Debbie Levy, Acalanes College & Career Counseling Advisor. The podcast and other resources are available at www.collegeadmissionstalk.com.
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS AND ESTATE PLANNING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS
Please join us for a workshop presented by special needs planning attorney, Jonathan Thompson*, on estate planning for children with special needs.
Special needs planning is a specialized area of the law that focuses on protecting public benefits for people with special needs, while at the same time facilitating a higher quality of life. Jonathan Thompson will provide information on special needs plans that can provide a framework for proper medical care and management of assets, as well as protect assets from creditors and predators. He will discuss the essential characteristics of special needs trusts, how they work and how to set one up.
To receive SEED High School updates, sign up for the high school newsletter here.
* Jonathan is an attorney with the Thompson Law Offices in Walnut Creek.
Parent Education
INSIDE THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Parents (and students!) of all grade levels are welcome to join an evening with Dr. John Durante, an educator who has interviewed over 200 college admissions representatives for his acclaimed “The College Admissions Process Podcast”. This event will take place on Tuesday, Apr 17 at 6pm* in the Acalanes library.
(*arrive early as we plan to start at 6pm sharp, as Dr. Durante will be joining us from New York City)
This event will be moderated by Debbie Levy, Acalanes College & Career Counseling Advisor. The podcast and other resources are available at www.collegeadmissionstalk.com.
Parent Education
TRANSITION IEPs, PLANS AND GOALS -- HOW TO BUILD THEM
Please join us on Wednesday, Mar 27 at 7pm for an informative workshop presented by Sarah Fairchild of the Tollner Law Firm on transition IEPs, plans and goals and how to build them. We will look at students' legal rights and entitlements as well as practical strategies for creating effective transition plans and evidence-based best practices in transition planning. This event will take place in the Acalanes library.
Parent Education
POWERFUL COMMUNITY EDUCATION EVENT TUESDAY, MAR 19
Students, parents and community members are encouraged to attend “Paralyzed to Powerful” with Robert Paylor on Tuesday, Mar 19 at 7pm. This event will take place in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center (PAC) and while the event is free, we ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly.
Parent Education
POWERFUL COMMUNITY EDUCATION EVENT TUESDAY, MAR 19
Students, parents and community members are encouraged to attend “Paralyzed to Powerful” with Robert Paylor on Tuesday, Mar 19 at 7pm. This event will take place in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center (PAC) and while the event is free, we ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly.
Parent Education
Powerful Community Education Event.
"Paralyzed to Powerful" with Robert Paylor. RSVP here!
Tuesday, March 19
7:00pm
Acalanes Performing Arts Center, PAC
Event is free and encouraged for all Parents and Students.
Parent Education
Please plan to join us for this powerful discussion! RSVP here!
Event is free and encouraged for all Parents and Students.
Parent Education
Please plan to join us for this powerful discussion! RSVP here!
Event is free and encouraged for all Parents and Students.
Parent Education
SAVE THE DATE: Powerful Parent & Student Education Event
Robert Paylor “Paralyzed to Powerful”
Tuesday, Mar 19 at 7pm in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center (PAC)
Stay tuned for more information and link to RSVP
Robert’s story: “In the 2017 Collegiate Rugby National Championship, I broke my neck and my life changed in an instant. Immediately, I was told I would never walk or move my hands again. I didn’t accept that reality and willed myself to walk again, against all odds.”
Everyone is paralyzed by something, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. Robert’s story and the tools that he continues to use to overcome his challenges helps others to both identify and conquer that which paralyzes them. His message stirs others to cultivate purpose in their lives, fully access their inner resilience, develop a reflexive sense of gratitude, and maintain positivity through even the most daunting challenges.
Save the date and plan to join us for the powerful discussion!
COLLEGE COUNSELING & COLLEGE ALTERNATIVES FOR STUDENTS WITH IEPs
Wednesday, Feb 7 at 7pm in the Acalanes Library
This parent workshop will be presented by Education Consultant, Melissa Masland, on post high school education options and the college application process for students receiving special education services.
