I read the following post last year and it really resonated with me. I am so guilty of becoming frustrated with my daughter when her behavior appears to be disrespectful when it is actually her way of communicating that she in fact needs me.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Please stick with me.

I can’t think clearly right now because there is a rather substantial section of my prefrontal cortex missing. It’s a fairly important chunk, something having to do with rational thought. You see, it won’t be fully developed until I’m about 25. And from where I sit, 25 seems a long way off.

It doesn’t matter that I’m smart; even a perfect score on my math SAT doesn’t insulate me from the normal developmental stages that we all go through. Judgment and intelligence are two completely distinct things. And, the same thing that makes my brain wonderfully flexible, creative and sponge-like also makes me impulsive. Not necessarily reckless or negligent but more impulsive than I will be later in life.

Please stick with me.

So when you look at me like I have ten heads after I’ve done something “stupid” or failed to do something “smart,” you’re not really helping.

You adults respond to situations with your prefrontal cortex (rationally) but I am more inclined to respond with my amygdala (emotionally). And when you ask, “What were you thinking?” the answer is I wasn’t, at least not in the way you are. You can blame me, or you can blame mother nature, but either way, it is what it is. At this point in my life, I get that you love me, but my friends are my everything. Please understand that. Right now I choose my friends, but, don’t be fooled, I am watching you. Carefully.

Please stick with me.

Here’s what you can do for me

1. Model adulting.

I see all the behaviors that you are modeling and I hear all of the words you say. I may not listen but I do hear you. I seem impervious to your advice, like I’m wearing a Kevlar vest but your actions and words are penetrating. I promise. If you keep showing me the way, I will follow even if I detour many, many times before we reach our destination.

2. Let me figure things out for myself.

If you allow me to experience the consequences of my own actions I will learn from them. Please give me a little bit of leash and let me know that I can figure things out for myself. The more I do, the more confidence and resilience I will develop.

3. Tell me about you.

I want you to tell me all the stories of the crazy things you did as a teen, and what you learned from them. Then give me the space to do the same.

4. Help me with perspective.

Keep reminding me of the big picture. I will roll my eyes at you and make all kinds of grunt-like sounds. I will let you know in no uncertain terms that you can’t possibly understand any of what I’m going through. But I’m listening. I really am. It’s hard for me to see anything beyond the weeds that I am currently mired in. Help me scan out and focus on the long view. Remind me that this moment will pass.

5. Keep me safe.

Please remind me that drugs and driving don’t mix. Keep telling me that you will bail me out of any dangerous situation, no anger, no lectures, no questions asked. But also let me know over and over and over that you are there to listen, when I need you.

6. Be kind.

I will learn kindness from you and if you are relentless in your kindness to me, someday I will imitate that behavior. Don’t ever mock me, please and don’t be cruel. Humor me-I think I know everything. You probably did as well at my age. Let it go.

7. Show interest in the things I enjoy.

Some days I will choose to share my interests with you, and it will make me feel good if you validate those interests, by at least acting interested.

One day when the haze of adolescence lifts, you will find a confident, strong, competent, kind adult where a surly teenager once stood. In the meantime, buckle in for the ride.

Please stick with me.

I am personally going to make every effort to pause and remember that my child is just trying to navigate her way through this time in her life. I will do my best to lean into her with love, patience and so much grace.

كما هو الحال دائما، لا تتردد في الوصول مع أي أسئلة أو مخاوف.

يرجي

ك يم

314.645.9600 (607)~kwright@premiercharterschool.org

Fine Arts Night…

Nurse Update…

Dear PCS Parents Partners,

As we head into peak RSV/ Flu/Cold/Covid Season, we wanted to remind you of our partnership to keep our campus clean and promote healthy practices to try and keep our students safer and healthier here at school. We have had a few cases of Flu, RSV, Strep and Covid at PCS this year, but I am proud to say our numbers are down significantly from last year! Viruses spread easily among children and it is important that we work together to continue to keep our school community healthy!

Your partnership can help prevent the spread of viruses and other illnesses by practicing the following precautions:

● If possible, you and your child can get a flu shot (We have a partnership with Walgreens)

● Remind your child to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing

● Have your child wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

● Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

● Teach your child not to touch their mouth, nose, or eyes

If your child does become sick, please keep them home, especially if they have any of the following:

● Fever (greater than 99.9 degrees)

● Vomiting (even just once)

● Diarrhea

● Chills

● Fatigue or body aches

● Frequent congested (wet) cough

● If unsure please call the school nurse

Your child can return to school when they are:

● Fever free without Tylenol or Motrin, for at least 24 hours

● Vomit free without medication for at least 24 hours

● Diarrhea free without medication for at least 24 hours

● Cough is not persistent or congested

● Doctors note (if needed)

Fun Fact

Which is faster? A human cough or sneeze?

A cough can travel as fast as 50 mph and expel almost 3,000 droplets in just one go. Sneezes win though—they can travel up to 100 mph and create upwards of 100,000 droplets in one sneeze! Yikes!

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our community safe. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Virginia Wilson, RN, BSN

Early Childhood & Elementary Nurse

314-645-9600 Ext 244

Adrian Wallace, RN, BSN

Middle School Nurse

314-645-9600 Ext 449

Community Resource…

Operation Food Search has various food pantries that distribute coats for families in need. They recommend giving a call in advance to check on availability and hours. The website below has a map of locations.

https://www.operationfoodsearch.org/find-food/#food-map

Upcoming Dates: