Coffee with the Counselors is a monthly event hosted by the Seitz Behavioral Health Team. This is an opportunity for parents to meet with Behavioral Health Team members (School Counselor Haley Ramirez, Military and Family Life Counselor Jamie Guelker, Social Worker Rhea Barrett, and Irwin Army Community Hospital School-Based Clinician Keegan Stucker) in an informal setting with discussion centered around a monthly theme.
March’s topic offered practical guidance on effective discipline strategies. The team offered developmental considerations for compliance and discipline and shared norms for each age group. For example, younger children may strive to achieve connection and attention with their compliance while older children will comply to gain independence. Discipline strategies emphasized the importance of building a foundation of positive relationship and communication. Parents were encouraged to use direct commands and specific praise to increase the likelihood of compliance. However, in situations where compliance is not immediately given, parents were given negative reinforcement steps to consider. Other discussion about complicating factors and family dynamics were shared, as well as resources for any families needing additional support.
The Behavioral Health Team strives to make these monthly events as convenient and accessible as possible for busy parents by offering a morning session at 8:15 and an afternoon session at 2:30. Coffee and snacks are also provided at this kid-friendly event. Coffee with the Counselors is a great opportunity for parents to connect with the Seitz Behavioral Health Team and learn about topics relative to family life. The next Coffee with the Counselor event will take place April 27th in the Seitz cafeteria.
Article provided by Jamie Guelker, Seitz Elementary