Why the Focus on Power and Esteem in Peer Groups and In School?

Welcome to the Fall Season!

As students return to their school, their classes and their peer groups, they do so with a sense of excitement and anticipation, as well as with some anxiety wondering what awaits them this next school year.

A year ago, we of CMN, began to explore how the core needs of children/youth can be met as defined by the Choice Therapy Principles of Dr. William Glasser. It is our hope that you will use this information to strengthen the children and youth in your lives, and to help them build their resiliency against destructive behaviors: substance and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, self-mutilation, gang involvement and promiscuity – to name a few.

Children and youth may adopt these types of destructive behaviors as an attempt to meet their core needs. The short-term affects of these destructive behaviors may feel very good to a child/youth who knows no other way to meet their needs. At their young age, many children/youth are not very open to discussing how these destructive behaviors will hurt them and others in the long run.

The Autumn 2008 CMN segment explores the importance of children developing and growing their sense of power and esteem within peer groups as well as within their school environment. This enables them to resist the temptation to use destructive behaviors to meet their needs.

The school environment is a host for many of the appropriate challenges children are faced with today. As children develop emotionally, it becomes a priority for them to feel a sense of belonging with their peers. It is within the school environment, that children have the most exposure to their peers. While they strive to feel accepted, they are also challenged to perform well academically.

The information we share with you this fall is designed to help all of us think of ways to support our children’s development of a healthy self-esteem and an appropriate sense of power.

Our prayers for a successful and safe new school year for all our children.

Happy Fall