Back to School Emotional Check Up
A message from Executive Director Amy Gelles
Back to school: the planning; the organizing; the attempt to put into place the critical pieces for our child’s success in a new school year. We know the routine, the perfect backpacks, sneakers one size bigger, annual physical exams, dental check ups, getting everything on that endless school supply list. Yet, there is one step that we all leave out.
That missing step – an emotional check up –a check up from the neck up – a simple look at our child’s emotional well being. Thirty-five questions which can make a difference.
At The Guidance Center, we recommend that parents take advantage of an innovative practice from professionals in the field of child heath and wellness. In a quick 10 minutes, by completing a valid and reliable questionnaire, it is now possible to get a snapshot of our child’s emotional well being. The results can be extremely helpful. For one, we can rest assured that our child is in the normal ranges of emotional wellness. The second, we can know quite early if there is some issue or concern that needs to be addressed.
How routinely do our children start talking about the stress in their lives? Do we really know what is affecting them? By responding early with appropriate treatment, The Guidance Center and many agencies and practitioners in Westchester County can help improve school performance, social relationships, and go a long way toward preventing long-term mental health problems. We know from scientific research that children can, and do, recover quickly from emotional challenges.
Sounds straightforward. Yet somehow, we all resist. One more test? Are we too afraid to hear the results? Is it that we do not trust the test? Is that we believe our love, so deep, can protect from the ills of sadness, depression or anxiety? Is that the emotional well being of our child is still a personal, family matter, one to be handled in house? Alternatively, is that we are so programmed to have our kids be on course that we, the parents, cannot handle a score that falls outside of the range?
Let’s face it. In the world our children will grow up and work in, they will be judged by a new yardstick; not just how smart they are but how well they can handle themselves and relate to others. Children who possess emotional intelligence are healthier, less depressed, more productive, and in better relationships.
So, go ahead, take the test. And know that once more you have ensured that your child has what it takes to have a happy and healthy successful year in school.
If your child’s score indicates that help may be needed, contact The Guidance Center at (914) 636-4440 x245.
We’ll be happy to discuss with you what is needed to get your child’s emotional well being on track. One less thing to worry about. The links to the tests and scoring are below.
Amy Gelles
Executive Director, The Guidance Center
ExecutiveDirector@tgcny.org
Follow these links to the Emotional Check Up Tests:
Scoring:
- Ages 6 - 16: a score of 28 or higher indicates further assessment may be beneficial.
- Ages 4 - 5: a score of 24 or higher indicates need for further assessment may be beneficial.
If your child’s score indicates that help may be needed, contact The Guidance Center at (914) 636-4440 x245.