skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Monday, December 30, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100. Unions, worker co-ops tackle historic wealth gap; NM political expert says 'polarization' is the logical word of the year; AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Former President and humanitarian Jimmy Carter dies at age 100, extended funding for 9 11 responders is cut from the federal budget, and Republicans prepare a major overhaul of the nation's voting procedures.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

From the unprecedented election season to the latest environmental news, the Yonder Report looks back at stories that topped our weekly 2024 newscasts.

Back to school blues: ND parents get the lowdown on talking to their child

play audio
Play

Monday, August 26, 2024   

Many North Dakota districts this week kick off a new school year, and a state initiative has advice for parents if their child is expressing a lot nerves about transitioning back to the classroom.

Through its Parents Lead program, the state Health and Human Services Department offers resources it says can help parents and caregivers support the behavioral health and well-being of students year-round.

Department Behavioral Health Division Administrator Sara Kapp said it's especially beneficial right now, as families get into back-to-school mode.

If there are signs of anxiety or anxiousness, she said being present for those moments is vital.

"It's just really trying to understand your child's behaviors," said Kapp, "and the messages they're sending to you. "

Program leaders say in sparking these conversations, parents and caregivers should demonstrate that the child's feelings are valid and reassure them it's okay to feel extra nervous.

As the school year takes shape, they also recommend asking your child about their day.

Encouraging face-to-face time with friends and establishing routines, such as relaxation time after school, are other tips.

In the social media age, many parents like to post first-day-of-school pictures taken outside the family home.

Kapp said if your child has strongly expressed their desire not to do that tradition, it might be better to respect their boundaries.

"You know, even as an adult, sometimes we don't want our pictures taken," said Kapp. "And so just being mindful of those things too, that those can also increase your child's anxiety."

She said that approach can also take pressure off a parent who's feeling overwhelmed and not wanting to meet all the social media standards.

While each family might have different stressors at home, Kapp acknowledged that creating added awareness might result in a more comfortable classroom environment for all students and teachers.

The Parents Lead website also has information about what to do if behavioral issues grow larger during the school year.




get more stories like this via email

more stories
Jimmy Carter, seen here with Mashun D. Simon and Carter's wife Rosalynn, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his many years of international humanitarian service. (Photo courtesy of Simon)

Social Issues

play sound

As the world reflects on the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, the Reverend Mashaun D. Simon sees a man whose ministry and …


Environment

play sound

The latest Environmental Protection Agency data show over 11 million more people than in earlier estimates have the chemicals known as PFAS in their d…

Social Issues

play sound

Proposed changes to the U.S. Postal Service are causing concern for Illinoisans. Reduced delivery days and "Forever" stamp price increases are just …


Homeowners in a record number of school districts aren't getting the full benefit of Ohio state law meant to keep property-tax "sticker shock" in check. (Keith Allen/Adobe Stock)

play sound

By Andrew Tobias for Signal Cleveland.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Signal Ohio-Public News Service Col…

Environment

play sound

One of New York State's first energy storage deadlines is fast approaching. A roadmap established earlier this year sets a state goal of developing 6…

The National Council on Aging recommends during the winter to improve stability on slippery surfaces, attach spikeless ice and snow gripper sole covers to your shoes, and choose winter shoes with rubber soles. (Taisiia/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

As winter sets in for Pennsylvania, it is crucial to be cautious of fall hazards, especially for seniors. The Centers for Disease Control and …

play sound

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration A …

Environment

play sound

By Diego Mendoza-Moyers for El Paso Matters.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021