THE ROAD MAP

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

🚦 First stop (embracing boredom when school’s out)

🛤️ Site-seeing at mylemarks.com (a FREEBIE and new attractions)

📡 On the Radar (Inside Out, family meetings, and more)

📊 Results are in (Poll results from the last edition)

✍🏽 U(r)-Turn (Let’s hear from you)

🤗 Sharing is Caring (spread the mylemarker love and earn)

Let’s go!

FIRST STOP

😴 Embracing Boredom: Benefits for Kids When School's Out

“School's out, and the kids are bored: That's not necessarily a bad thing, say experts”

Experts suggest that while parents often rush to fill their children's time when they express boredom, allowing kids to experience and manage boredom independently can be beneficial. Dr. Erin Westgate of the University of Florida emphasizes that boredom can teach children how to manage their emotions and spark creativity and problem-solving skills. When kids are allowed to problem-solve how to pass the time, it can lead to free play, which is essential for cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Instead of viewing boredom as a negative state, experts recommend preparing children for these moments by discussing potential activities and encouraging self-regulation. This approach helps children develop independence and resilience. Some parents attempt to combat boredom by overbooking their kids, but this prevents them from ever experiencing the emotional state and thus not developing effective strategies to self-regulate. Dr. Erin Westgate explains that boredom is akin to pain; it is not pleasant but serves as essential feedback. It signals that something is wrong and provides an opportunity to address and improve the situation, ultimately leading to a better state of well-being.

✨Check out our Summer resources including Summer Scrapbook and My Summer Challenge!

SITE-SEEING at mylemarks.com

Freebie!

Small, Medium, & BIG Problems (Spanish version included)
This handout helps kids figure out the difference between the different sizes of problems and teaches them how to handle each type.

Exploring the size of problems with kids has many benefits:

Empowers Decision-Making: Helps kids learn to assess just how challenging the problem is and decide the best way to handle it.

Builds Independence: Encourages children to solve small problems on their own, boosting their confidence and self-reliance.

Enhances Communication: Teaches kids to recognize when they need help and how to communicate their needs to adults. It is also helpful to review the trusted adults who can help them out in times of need.

Improves Emotional Regulation: Helps children manage their emotions by breaking down problems into manageable parts.

✨ If you like this, you’ll LOVE The Size of My Problem!

New Attractions

My Social Skills Work-through-Book

Don’t miss our newly released Social Skills Work-through-Book designed to target specific social skills and customize your sessions to meet each child’s unique needs. Visit the link to preview it in its entirety!

Good and Poor Social Skills | Conversation (Two Parts) | Conversation Bingo | The Friend Keeper | Social Skills Tracker

ON THE RADAR

🎥 Inside Out Sequel Tackles Teen Mental Health

The newly released sequel to the animated film "Inside Out" is set to explore the intricate emotional landscape of teenagers, addressing mental health and wellness. Building on the success of the original, which portrayed a young girl's emotions, the sequel focuses on the more complex and often turbulent feelings experienced during adolescence.

The film's creators have worked closely with mental health experts to ensure an accurate and sensitive portrayal of teen emotional struggles, making it a valuable tool for raising awareness about mental health issues. The movie aims to resonate with teens and their families, encouraging open discussions about mental health.

📵 Surgeon General Proposes Social Media Warning Labels

The U.S. Surgeon General has proposed adding warning labels to social media platforms, citing their potential harm to youth mental health. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the growing youth mental health crisis, driven by increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other issues linked to social media use. The Surgeon General's office is also exploring potential lawsuits against social media companies for contributing to these problems. This proposal aligns with efforts to promote healthier online habits among youth. For more details, read the full article here.

RELATED: Too Much Internet Use Is Changing Teenage Brains, Study Finds

🐶 Benefits of Pet Parenting for Children

Pet parenting offers numerous benefits for children, from reducing allergies to improving social skills. Interacting with pets can boost a child's immune system, making them less prone to allergies. Pets also encourage physical activity and outdoor play, contributing to better physical health. Socially, children learn responsibility, empathy, and communication skills through caring for pets. The companionship of a pet can provide emotional support, reducing stress and anxiety.

RELATED: 10 Ways for Your Kids to Connect With Animals Without Getting a Pet

🎮 Video Games Boost Mental Health and Friendships for Teens

A Pew Research Center survey reveals that video games can significantly enhance teens' problem-solving abilities, foster friendships, and improve teamwork. While these benefits are notable, the study also highlights challenges such as disrupted sleep and academic performance issues. Cyberbullying remains a concern within gaming communities. These insights emphasize the importance of balance and healthy gaming habits. Encouraging moderation and promoting positive online interactions can help teens leverage the benefits of gaming while minimizing the drawbacks.

📉 More States Failing Special Education Requirements

The U.S. Department of Education's latest report indicates a troubling increase in the number of states failing to meet federal special education requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This year, only 21 states and territories have met the standards, marking a decrease in compliance. Contributing factors include inadequate service provisions and persistent staff shortages.

The department underscores the urgency for states to improve their special education programs to ensure equitable and effective education for students with disabilities. Ongoing efforts and resources are necessary to address these deficiencies and support affected students.

RESULTS ARE IN

In the last edition of the mylemarker, we asked, What primary motivation do you observe in children participating in trends like smellmaxxing? from our feature article from Parents.com. See the results and a few responses below!

U(R)-TURN

We’d love to hear from you! Help guide future products by answering the question below. Or if you have something nice to say about us, consider leaving a testimonial!