Parenting in the New Year
by Deena Shahrooz, TCEE’s Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
I have always loved New Years; it is a chance to start fresh and make new resolutions. In September, when the Jewish New Year coincides with the start of the school year, many new chances are laid out for us and our children—new schools or classrooms, new teachers, new friends, new expectations, and new routines. None of those are really ours to choose, just ours to manage. But in January, we have (hopefully) adjusted to all of those changes and we get to take on the new year and set our own goals.
Parenting offers the same nuances of new beginnings in that there are some developmental ages and stages that are pre-determined, and others that we set ourselves. Children will grow and move through each stage naturally; babies will start eating solid food, toddlers will move out of their cribs, Pre-schoolers will move on to Kindergarten. And with each change your family routines will adjust to match the new phase. But we as parents can always start a new phase. We can choose to change our routines, start new family traditions and try new ways to engage with our children. Just as children learn and grow, as parents we are also always learning and growing. Don’t be afraid to try new things and take your ‘January’ whenever you are ready for it.
For me, I am particularly excited about January this year. This fall I joined the TCEE community as the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, and I have spent the last few months getting to know the TCEE teachers and students (and some of their families). And now in the New Year I can start fresh in my role, set new goals, and spend time connecting with all of you! I am looking forward to getting to know all of the TCEE families; if you see me in the building, please introduce yourself, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns or just to say "hi"!
Deena is available via email at dshahrooz@ohabei.org. She is offering individual consultations for TCEE and BEEP on Beacon Extended Day families. These initial 25-minute sessions are a chance to get advice on routines, discuss behavior challenges, or get ideas to respond to changes in your child's life or mood.