Parents and Educators Should Form Healthy Partnerships

Have you ever wished you could have instant expert information and advice on the important issues and challenges facing students these days? Parenting school-aged children has become a more complex task not only because of the powerful influences of new technology and media influences, but also because of the changing dynamics of communication among peers – texting, chatrooms, and online communities such as My Space to name a few. One of the most valuable resources a stepparent can rely on is a collaborative relationship with their child’s school, particularly with the teachers and the counselor.A major determinant of success in school is positive parental involvement. One effective way to develop your connection with your children, as well as a strong partnership with their school, is to be aware of issues and potential problems early on. School counselor and author, Michelle Farias, provides much needed guidance to blended families with her definitive book 25 Ways to Keep Your Child Safe, Healthy and Successful: Lessons from a School Counselor. Parents in blended families with children in any grade level will greatly benefit from using Farias’ book as a comprehensive guide to increase awareness of existing issues and potential problems.Michelle Farias has written a well-organized, information-packed, practical guide that accurately reflects her 20 years of professional and practical experience as a school counselor and a mental health therapist. 25 Ways to Keep Your Child Safe, Healthy and Successful is loaded with practical wisdom covering the very specific and timely issues of internet and chat room safety, drug and alcohol awareness, and the pervasive violence of some TV shows, movies, music and video games. It also covers general topics, such as, the value of education, the benefits of family dinners, and the importance of understanding responsibility, consequences and behavioral expectations.Each chapter is topic specific with "conversation vignettes" that help parents build confidence around speaking with children about matters that count. Not only is this book a useful reference for parents and teachers, anticipating future situations and problems at home or in school, it is also a comprehensive reference guide for current issues facing your children – so if they come home with a complaint, you’ve got a tool you can go right to for answers.Farias repeatedly draws the distinction between children and parents, emphasizing the importance of parental responsibility in setting boundaries, disciplining consistently, following through on consequences, and rewarding genuine effort and achievement.This book is a great addition to any Blended Family Library for any stepparent wanting to raise responsible, productive, confident and happy kids.