Reflection Blog Post #12

• Assess the impact of educational, political, and socioeconomic factors on children and families.

Educational factors impact the children and families because if the education the child is receiving isn't good, then that could be stressful for both the student and the family.  Political factors impact the family and children because the school board might say one thing about how the school or district is run.  Just like in Morongo Unified district, their political agenda affects our life especially if we don't agree with it.  For example, I want/my children just do better in person at school so this distance learning is really affecting all aspects of how we usually run the family.  A socioeconomic factor that affect families and children could be if the school doesn't have funding then the social events like trick or treat at the school or a family dance couldn't happen for the families and children.  I used those examples because I enjoyed those events at my boys' school last school year.

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the social issues, changes, and transitions that affect children, families, schools, and communities.

Some social issues, changes and transitions that affect children and families is moving to a new area where they have to acquainted with a new school and community.  I know all about this because being a military family, my children have been the new kid in school because we moved across country.  Also, they have seen friends move away that they might not see again or at least for a very long time.  That makes me sad.

• Describe effective strategies that empower families and encourage family involvement in children’s development.

A few strategies used that could empower and encourage families are do mental health check-ins.  Schools could check in with families and give them some encouraging from the staff to let them know that they still care about them.  Another strategy is they could provide resources for the families to get help especially if they are under financial strain.  I know that Morongo Unified School District provides food every Thursday for the children ages 0-18.  It's definitely helpful especially having my kids home all the time that just want to eat all the time.

• Demonstrate knowledge of community support services and agencies that serve families.

Like I just mentioned, there are food services that are offered to families.  It's helpful to families especially during this difficult time.  While we aren't in desperate need of assistance, it is appreciated especially when you have three growing boys at home like I do!

• Identify the impact of one’s own experiences and how they impact relationships with children and families.

As both a parent and a teacher, I've had plenty of experiences.  One of the experiences I've had is this year.  I was having a rough day with my boys because they weren't listening to me at all and I was getting upset.  I came across this thing on social media that said something about our kids are going through a lot because on a Friday in March we picked them up from school and never got to see some of their friends again.  That hit me right in the heart because it's so true.  We haven't had any of the normal school activities that not only would typically be social events for my boys but also for me.