Dr. Jess Shatkin joined GPS, presenting programs to both parents/caregivers of young children and parents/caregivers of teens.
Professor and physician Jess P. Shatkin MD, MPH leads the educational efforts of the Child Study Center at the NYU Langone Medical Center, where he supervises the training programs in child and adolescent psychiatry and pediatrics. He developed and continues to direct the nation’s largest undergraduate college program in child and adolescent mental health studies at the NYU College of Arts and Science, in addition to managing research studies designed to enhance student resilience and improve sleep. He is one of the country’s foremost voices in youth mental health, the radio host of About Our Kids. and the author of more than 100 publications, including Born to be Wild: Decoding the Adolescent Brain 12-26.. You can learn more about his work at: drjesspshatkin.com
Parent shares takeaway from Helping Young Children Thrive
On Nov. 12, the Glenbard Parent Series hosted Dr. Jess Shatkin in a presentation at the Glen Ellyn Public Library titled Helping Young Children Thrive Mentally and Physically. The program is the first in a mini-series of four programs for caregivers of our youngest children.
Caryn Neumann, parent of a Glen Ellyn School District 41 student, shared the following takeaway:
“Most preventable deaths (smoking, obesity, alcohol, etc.) are the result of childhood behaviors/stress. An authoritative parenting style that focuses on positive reinforcement, being present/paying attention, setting limits with consequences and having clear rules with our children will result in children with less anxiety, higher self-esteem and better school performance. Kids need enhanced supervision where parents not only show up and are present but communicate with their children to build trust. Screen time, especially over one hour a day, exposes children to violence, prohibits creativity/learning, and too much light exposure disrupts melatonin, which can contribute to early puberty. Stop screens one hour before bedtime and use an app like Flux, which adjusts screen brightness depending on the time of the day. Exercise one hour per day four times per week to enhance cognitive and academic development and decrease depression. Adequate sleep is critical – have your child spend one hour more in bed which will lead to about 27 more minutes of sleep. Gardening and cooking with your child will lead to healthier nutrition habits. Find your best breathing and relaxation technique. We need 30 minutes per day where we just space out and do nothing. This reduces stress and enhances learning and focus.”
Dean shares takeaway from GPS program
On Nov. 13, Dr. Jess Shatkin, author of “Born to Be WILD: Why Teens Take Risks –
How We Can Keep Them Safe” presented at both our Youth Leaders Community Forum and a Glenbard Parent Series evening event.
Glenbard North Dean of Students Erika Willis attended and shared the following takeaway:
“The parent relationship is the very strongest of relationships. And the style of parents that works best is authoritative parenting – kind, loving and limit setting. It benefits your child's learning and behavior, and these teens will engage in less risky behavior because they are less sensitive to the rewarding effect of risk. Praise (not punishments) teaches our children how to behave instead of how not to behave. Wait for the behavior you want and then reward that. Use effective commands; make it specific and clear – don't ask. Know your child's schedule and be there. The more you know about your child, the fewer risks they will take. Role play how you would handle being in a challenging situation. Help them be prepared with a plan if it comes up. Be a positive role model. They are watching. They learn from us.”
Click
HERE to view several Take Five videos with Shatkin and others. There is a five-minute video for teens, and one each for caregivers of parents of adolescents and one for caregivers of young children.
Resources
Take 5: Parents of Young Children – Jess Shatkin on How to Help Your Kids Thrive (YouTube video) HERE
Web site for Dr. Jess Shatkin HERE
