I assigned some homework during Back to School Night. For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a recap..

Think about things you did on your own as a child. Ask your parents what they did as kids. Did they climb trees, ride bikes with friends, hike in the woods, or go sledding alone? All of these activities involved some risk. Maybe you even got hurt. But you’re here today to share those experiences, and that’s what matters. This is what we want for our children. They need to build strength through failure.

The importance of resilience — whether physical, mental, or emotional — has never been more crucial to our society than it is now. We are determined to instill this resilience in the children we teach here at Countryside. While your child may not grow up to climb Mount Everest, life will always present challenges, such as disasters, disappointments, or pandemics. If they are unable to adapt to these challenges, their life will be needlessly difficult. The world can be unsettling at times. As parents, we often find ourselves running through a list of worries and “what if” scenarios. What if our kids get called a name, make the wrong friends, feel isolated, or become depressed? What if they find themselves in danger and we’re not there to protect them?

We want to assure you that all of those “what-ifs” will happen. So, instead of focusing on fear- based parenting from what you’ve seen on the latest episode of CSI or in the 5:30 news, draw on your own experiences or look to other parents you admire. Give your kids the freedom to make mistakes, get hurt, and feel sad, because these experiences will ultimately make them Stronger.

When I first joined Countryside in the 80s, it was a community where parents supported each other and helped raise each other’s children, forming strong bonds and shared values. It feels like we are heading in that direction once again. So, lean on the staff when needed, and lean on each other.

The key to developing resilience is ensuring that children feel safe and supported. To weather a storm, you need a solid shelter.

They have a shelter here at Countryside, and you have one too!