ONLINE PARENTING COACH

Expulsion from school is used to punish children, alert moms and dads, and protect other children and school staff. Unintended consequences of these practices require more attention from health care professionals. Expulsion may exacerbate academic deterioration, and when children are provided with no immediate educational alternative, child alienation, delinquency, crime, and substance abuse may ensue. Social, emotional, and mental health support for children at all times in all schools can decrease the need for expulsion and should be strongly advocated by the health care community. This policy statement, however, highlights aspects of expulsion that jeopardize kid’s health and safety. Recommendations are targeted at doctors, who can help schools address the root causes of behaviors that lead to expulsion and can advocate for alternative disciplinary policies. Doctors can also share responsibility with schools to provide children with health and social resources. Expulsio...

Question My son just turned 14 two days ago, and was diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD and ODD last November. He is supposed to take medicine twice per day (once at home, once at school) to help him focus and to control anxiety. The problem is that he doesn't take his medicine unless someone reminds him-ever. He and I have tried putting the medicine where he will see it every morning at home …and that has helped some, but at school no one reminds him, so he does not take his medicine there. I have two questions: 1) is it reasonable to expect him to take full responsibility for taking this medicine, and 2) if so, how can I help him to do that? Thank you! Answer Re: 1) Is it reasonable to expect him to take full responsibility for taking this medicine, and 2) if so, how can I help him to do that? Reasonable? Yes. Is it likely he will meet that expectation consistently? Probably not. Plan A— There are now a much larger choice among medications that c...

Here are some important suggestions that may make the experience easier in the event that your child or teen gets suspended from school... Get the Facts— 1. Talk with your child. Ask him to tell you (or write) exactly what happened as soon as possible so you have a clear understanding of the details related to the incident. Make sure he is being honest about what happened. 2. School administrators must provide children with notice of the charges against them, the basis for the charge, and an opportunity to tell his side of the story. 3. Immediately contact the school and request: a copy of any administrator's, educator's, or child's statements about the charge/incident a copy of the school's or district's disciplinary policies in writing (if they have not as yet been provided to you) a copy of the child's school records, including records for attendance, grades, and any past discipline 4. Review these materials and note anything you ...