10 minute read
Kids Say the Wisest Things
by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA
Emotionally Healthy Parents Do These Things
One of the greatest tragedies in our society is that we do not require more education for marriage or parenting. Two of the hardest jobs anyone will ever have are being a spouse and/or a parent. Both roles are full of challenges and rewards. Doing these jobs well requires a great deal of emotional health.
Some parents come into my office and want me to “fix” their children and become annoyed when I ask them how they handle specific situations. Emotionally healthy parents are rarely offended and are overjoyed with our professional advice. Guess which family benefits the most from the counseling relationship? Please, be an emotionally healthy parent!
Emotionally healthy parents:
• Think objectively. They do not make assumptions. They do not assume their child has unresolved trauma just because he did not empty the dishwasher or that he is going to be an axe murderer simply because he was rude to his sibling. • Deal with problems directly and stop problems behaviors as quickly as they can. They do not argue, negotiate, make threats, or bring up other problem behaviors. For example, if their child is throwing a toy, they ask him to stop. If he does not, they simply take it away and let the child be upset. Once the child is calm, they explain that the child can try again, but the toy will be taken if it is thrown again. • Cope with stress in a realistic way. When their child has them overwhelmed, they take a break. • Focus on what is right. They let their children know that they are on their side by praising every attempt he/she makes to do the right thing. • Anticipate the future. They understand that there is an order to the development of skills. Healthy parents teach their young children to ask permission. They do this because they want teenage and adult children who come to them for input and advice. • Teach. They teach their children the skills they need to be successful in life. They do this through repetition, practice, and modeling. • Adapt to reality. They do this by setting their children up for success. For example, they teach their children to sit through dinner at their home before attempting to take them to a restaurant. • Manage their expectations. They research what is age and/or developmentally appropriate and help their children obtain those skills. • Focus on facts, not emotions. They do not let their feelings dictate their behavior. They make the healthiest choice based on the situation, not how they feel. • Have boundaries. They set clearly defined boundaries and consistently follow them. They have healthy bedtimes, healthy media limits, and healthy diets. • Are empathetic. They do not judge their children or attempt to fix their problems. Instead, they allow their children to live through difficult experiences and emotions by being loving, encouraging, and present. • Are self-reflective. They honestly reflect on what they are doing well and how they can improve as parents. • Celebrate childhood. They do not let their children’s childish behaviors surprise them, and they enjoy it when it happens.
DRACULA
A BALLET TO DIE FOR
presented by ALABAMA DANCE THEATRE
Suggested for audiences age 7+
OCTOBER 28-30
Friday the 28th 7:00 PM Saturday the 29th 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM Sunday the 30th 2:00 PM
Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts Downtown Montgomery
Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.
Annie: Live!
November 1 * 7:30 pm Montgomery Performing Arts Center Leapin Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of ANNIE will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as Its the Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Dont Need Anything But You, plus the eternal anthem of optimism, Tomorrow.
Fall Fun at Alabama Safari Park
October 22, 23, 29 and 30 1664 Venable Rd, Hope Hull, AL Fall is in the air at Alabama Safari Park! Join us for an unbe-leaf-able good time including Fall Games, Face Painting, Photo opts, Bounce house, and Trickor-Treat Trail. Children can pick one free pumpkin from the pumpkin patch! All activities are included in regular admission! Visit www.alabamasafaripark. com for ticket info.
Alabama National Fair
October 7-16 Each day is different at the Alabama National Fair! Check out our free app (download Alabama National Fair from your Apple or Android play store), where you will find a detailed schedule for each day. Concerts this year include John Anderson, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Hotel California Eagles Tribute and more. Visit https://alnationalfair.org/.
October 28-30 * Davis Theatre Sink your teeth into a thrilling vampire drama back by popular demand as Alabama Dance Theatre presents Dracula, a ballet to die for Friday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Troy University’s Davis Theatre. Alabama Dance Theatre will present a special school performance of Dracula on Thursday, October 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Troy University’s Davis Theatre. It runs 1 hour and 30 minutes with one intermission. Call 334-625-2590 to make reservations or email us at ADTdance1@aol.com. Performance tickets are $15-30. Tickets will be on sale September 19th and may be purchased at alabamadancetheatre. com or call 334-625-2590.
Junior League Holiday Market
October 5-8 * Multiplex at Cramton Bowl
Buy clothing, jewelry, gifts, children’s items, art, gourmet food, bath products, home & holiday decor, handmade and one-of-akind items, gifts for men, and more! Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10; adults 65+ are $5. Kids 10 and under get in free. For more info, visit https://www.jlmontgomery.org/ or find us on Facebook.
Tony! Toni! Toné!
October 9 * Garrett Coliseum Tony! Toni! Toné! is a three-piece America soul/R&B group who rose to fame in the late 80s and early 90s, helping to keep the soul and funk tradition alive. Over the years they have had 14 Billboard-charting R&B singles; including five number one hits and over six million albums sold.
WIT 5K Race to End Poverty. PERIOD!
Saturday, October 8 * 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus St. Join Brooke and Breanna Bennett, twin sisters from Alabama who co-founded Women In Training, Inc. (WIT), a youth empowerment nonprofit for the 3rd Annual WIT 5K Race to End Poverty. PERIOD!. Women In Training, Inc. (WIT), is a nonprofit organization that distributes WITKITS of menstrual, hygiene and dental products to underserved girls. The in-person race will begin at 7:30 a.m. www.womenintraining.org
Saturday, November 5 * Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa St.
Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero as they race towards the goal of ensuring that every child has a personal hero. All children who participate will receive a celebratory superhero cape and 5K runners receive a choice of a dri-fit t-shirt or superhero cape. In addition to the 5k and Fun Run, young participants will have the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite superheroes from The Party Palace. All participates are invited to enjoy the Finish Line Festival that will take place on the field of Riverwalk Stadium and include inflatables, food vendors, hands on activities, and raffle prizes!
This fun event gives back to the Montgomery Community by supporting the mission of CASA in their efforts to provide volunteer advocates for children who have been victims of abuse or neglect. For more information or to register visit: http://casasuperherorunmgm.itsyourrace.com or find us on Facebook at: CASA of Montgomery County.
5K on the MGM Runway
October 22 * 8:30 am The Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is inviting all runners and walkers to lace up their sneakers for a unique experience allowing registered participants to run a 5K on the MGM Runway. The inaugural MGM Runway 5K will occur on October 22, beginning at 8:30 a.m., and registration is now open. For more details or to register, please visit: https://flymgm.com/mgm5k/.
Jurassic Quest
October 21-23 * Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center Jurassic Quest, the largest and most realistic traveling dinosaur show in North America, is ROARING through Montgomery, AL! Our event features more rides, activities, & dinosaurs than ever before! Sellouts expected, buy in advance online to guarantee your time slot. Tickets also available at the venue on the day of the event. Visit https:// tickets.jurassicquest.com/montgomeryal2022/events.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Saturday, October 8 The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting the River Region Walk to End Alzheimer’s event at the Riverwalk Amphitheatre. Registration is at 9 AM and the ceremony and walk will be at 10 AM. You can register for the walk or make a donation to RiverRegionWalk2ENDALZ. For more information, please contact Kay Powell at klpowell@alz.org or (205) 835-8981.
LaTonya Sanders
Jeff Davis High School
One of Jeff Davis High School’s dedicated teachers, Latonya Sanders, shares her passion for education and shaping the minds of youth.
“I have always been interested in trying all levels of education, and Jeff Davis was the perfect opportunity for me to work with young adults teaching career prep and technology.” During her first year of teaching, Ms. Sanders pledged to assist students and model how to become lifelong learners. She is dedicated to helping students obtain the skills to ensure they are ready for adulthood. She graduated from Alabama State University with a B.S. degree in Physical Education, M.S. in Physical Education, and an M.S. in Applied Technology.
Ms. Sanders believes the transition to high school is critical, and that students should be ready to make decisions about college and life after high school.
Ms. Sanders is also an advocate for encouraging students to think outside the box and be unique. She believes every teacher should motivate students to understand the importance of education and the reward and celebration of walking the stage on their big day.
Her classroom goals include improving her students’ academic performance, developing great character, and promoting positive mental health habits. Ms. Sanders dedicates herself to holding firm standards/goals because this helps her compete with the changes in students’ needs. “I motivate my students to work hard and do their best work. Many students struggle academically because they are not committed, and in some cases, they lack the skills needed to be successful. Developing character and mental health are two other areas of importance to student success.”
Latoya has defined her role as a teacher/mentor who genuinely cares about the well-being of students. With that in mind, she looks for opportunities to engage students to help them master skills, show respect and think about how the choices they make today will affect tomorrow and the future.
