Providing Comfort in Times of Trouble
How can parents comfort their children in times of trouble, when they themselves feel uncertain? How can they provide security, when they feel insecure?
Since the presidential election, fear and uncertainty have presided in the immigrant communities in which I work. This fear is impacting attendance at schools. Children of immigrant parents are asking, “Will we have to move?.” School personnel are making great efforts to reassure students and families that school is a safe place, but many children continue to feel insecure. This insecurity impacts their attention and participation in school activities and most importantly, their learning. [Read more…]
Rosemarie Pérez has worked with English learners and their families in public education for more than twenty years. She has served as a bilingual teacher, professional developer, and district administrator. Administrative roles included serving as the Director of English Learners for an elementary school district and as a Coordinator of Reading and Language for the San Mateo County Office of Education. Rosemarie continues to work with families as she leads the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s Parent Engagement Initiative during the past three years. Ms. Pérez provides expert guidance to teachers, school site staff, and school administrators in creating culturally sensitive parent training modules and academic curricular units. She facilitates parent education and Common Core Standards workshops. Engaged parents are further trained to become parent leaders and advocates. Rosemarie is the mother of five adult children and three grandchildren.
What is your quality time with your children when it is cold outside and they are tired of playing alone? Do you respond to your children’s boredom by turning on the television or using the smart phone for entertainment? Many parents are so busy with their daily responsibilities that they may only talk or play with their children less than twenty minutes a day. Some parents do not see their children during the work week due to long commutes. Working parents may only have weekends available to play with their children. Solutions to the limited time available for quality time with your children each day include the following: 
Como padres queremos que nuestros hijos logren un rendimiento escolar exitoso. Sabemos que a los bien educados, las puertas de oportunidades están abiertas. Sin embargo, nuestros hijos jóvenes viven en la actualidad. No consideran las consecuencias de largo plazo cuando toman decisiones acerca de su trabajo escolar. 
My grandchildren asked me what my New Year’s resolutions would be for 2017. I explained to them that each year I review my life’s challenges and accomplishments and journal the next steps in my life’s goals. My typical resolutions focus on keeping my life balanced in the areas of spiritual growth and family play. I also make resolutions to manage my exercise and financial planning. Finally, each year I aspire to increase my knowledge and skills in a new area of interest. Recent learnings include technology applications, blogging, watercoloring, and creating innovative curriculum.