Back to School Hubbub

You've undoubtedly heard--whether you have kids in school or not--that (1) President Obama is delivering what some are considering a controversial, personal message to students in classrooms on September 8, challenging them to set goals for their lives while (2) the Swine Flu is expected to have an enormous impact on students in all grades (preschool through college). Both of these issues are hot topics with parents, administration, and teachers, but how do they affect you?

Before you are tempted to wish for the "good old days," or reminisce how life use to be so simple rather than complicated--economically or educationally--I must remind you about decades past. As a child, I remember getting TB shots in elementary school...wondering if I was going to get Tuberculosis (which seemed like a ominous and easy disease to contract). I also remember the President being assassinated and my life/school/time seemed to stop as my family, friends, and community mourned our nation's loss for days.

Back to school for any family or community is full of uncertainties and change. Therefore, I want to encourage to talk to your kids, co-workers, service attendants, grocers, teachers, banker tellers, or neighbors about their thoughts and feelings related to health, family, school, the President's speech, or their fears. Why? Because talking relieves stress, reveals any misconceptions, and exposes rumors or lies that can create unnecessary fear.

Take a little extra time this week to read, listen, and then talk to your family and friends about the "hubbub" that is happening in our country as kids go back to school: the President's speech and the Swine Flu impact in your community. Letting people (especially young people) express their concerns to you--their friend, teacher, neighbor or acquaintance--can instantly change his or her perspective from "gloom and doom" to hope and understanding.

Be encouraged,

Becky