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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 6, 2008)
The INDEPENDENT, November 6, 2008 Help children face these anxious times by the American Counseling Association Today’s unstable economic environment has meant life- style changes, problems and increased stress for many fam- ilies. Parents, however, some- times forget that their prob- lems, financial or otherwise, can also mean increased levels of anxiety and fear for their chil- dren. Whatever a family’s prob- lems, children, even at very young ages, are usually aware that things are no longer “right.” While young children won’t ful- ly understand what is wrong, and older children may fake a “so what,” non-caring attitude, the reality is that major family problems cause stress and anxieties for our children that can manifest themselves in a variety of negative ways. While problems don’t just magically disappear, we offer a few simple tips you can use to reduce your children’s stress levels and help them better un- derstand and deal with the emotions they’re facing: • Listen to your child. Ask young children what’s the biggest, baddest thing that’s worrying them. Older kids will need more work to be coaxed into discussing their emotions. Be ready to explain and reas- sure them about your plans for handling the problems. • Respond to questions hon- estly, in an age-appropriate manner. Hiding the truth won’t make your kids feel better, but can cause more serious prob- lems later. • Discuss difficult issues, in- cluding your own worries, but don’t overwhelm your children. Let them express their feelings so you can help them put the situation in perspective. • Stick to factual information. Don’t project your fears onto your child. It’s okay to talk hon- estly about how serious the sit- uation is, but don’t increase your child’s fears of what is happening. • Accept that any major fam- ily issue is going to bring reac- tions your children can’t con- trol. It might be nightmares, be- havior changes, emotional out- bursts or anger. Don’t blame your children for such reac- tions, but instead offer comfort and support, and help them un- derstand what is happening. • Look for signs your child is being overwhelmed by the situ- ation. Strong emotional changes or disturbing behav- ioral changes may be signs their emotional reaction is out of control and that professional help is needed. • Most importantly, be loving and reassuring. Your children need to know that, even when major problems face a family, you’re still there to love and care for them. Give plenty of hugs and verbal reassurances that they’re still loved. Family crises are never easy to weather and can be espe- cially difficult for children. Take the time to give your children the attention they deserve and need in such situations. Page 11 Still time to join VHS Site Council The Vernonia High School Site Council is now accepting applications for 2-4 parent/ community members to join the VHS Site Council Team. Site Council is a Site-Based Team featuring administrators, staff members, students, and com- munity members. The team will be involved in planning and developing school improve- ment ideas and professional development. Applications for Site Council are available at the high school office. Local 4-H kids excel at State Fair Following are results from 4- H competition at the Oregon State Fair. Due to space limita- tions, only categories with 4-H members in The Independent’s circulation area are included. ART PAINTING Orig Art, Draw/Sketch, Shad- ed Draw, Jr.: Blue Ribbon – An- thony Pelster. PHOTOGRAPHY Nature - Animals, Jr.: Blue Ribbon – Anthony Pelster, Ver- nonia. Architectural, Jr.: Blue Rib- bon – Anthony Pelster, Vernonia. People, Int.: Reserve Champi- on & Blue Ribbon – Maria Pel- ster, Vernonia. HORSE AND PONY English Equitation (Hunt Seat), Int.: Red Ribbon – McKen- zie Tarkalson, Vernonia. Showmanship, Intermediate: Blue Ribbon, Medallion, & Other award – McKenzie Tarkalson, Ver- nonia. SWINE Market Hog: Blue Ribbon – Lane Sullivan, Vernonia. Showmanship, Int.: Blue Rib- bon – Lane Sullivan, Vernonia. SHEEP Crossbred Meat Breeds color incl., Producing Ewe: Blue Rib- bon – Katie Tatman, Vernonia. Showmanship, Sr.: Blue Rib- bon – Katie Tatman, Vernonia. Tips given for making college application process less stressful by the American Counseling Association Applying for college is never an easy task. For many stu- dents and their families, how- ever, it can turn into an over- whelming, highly stressful ex- perience. Last minute deci- sions, sudden deadlines and unexpected requirements can all take anxiety levels to new highs. It doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning the college application process may still require a lot of work, but not nearly as much stress. Most advisors suggest be- ginning the college selection process early in the student’s junior year. Of course, if you’re reading this now because you have an anxious high school senior just beginning the process, it’s time to play a little catch-up. Honestly discussing college costs and family finances is one way to reduce stress. If an expensive school isn’t afford- able for your family, discuss possible options. Is a scholar- ship or major grant likely, or if loans are necessary, who will be paying them back? Getting the financial issues straight helps lead to intelligent college choices. A little knowledge can also reduce anxiety. Pick up several college guidebooks that rate schools and describe pro- grams, acceptance proce- dures, campus life and much more. Online sites like college- board.com or unigo.com can also offer valuable facts and in- sights. Don’t forget your high school’s college counselor as a great source of information. Often, students feel over- whelmed and anxious because of all the college choices facing them. Encouraging your child to compare their own goals, in- terests and likes against the in- formation they gather about various schools can help nar- row the list of possible choices down to a manageable number. The biggest stress reducer and “disaster avoider,” is a sim- ple task and deadlines calen- dar. For each school, work backwards from its application deadline, listing dates for re- quired activities, such as ACT or SAT testing, recommenda- Please see page 21 RS OU W N E H New website set up for Vernonia Scouts On behalf of the Vernonia Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Vernonia Northern is announc- ing a website: www.vernonias couts.org. This site is open to the pub- lic, so boys and girls can look at the web site and see the activi- ties they could be involved in this scouting year. The website is updated regularly as events are confirmed. Parents will find contacts for the various age groups. Par- ents may also find that many of the trips or events are just as interesting to them as to their scout. Vernonia Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are sponsored by Mariolino’s the Vernonia Lions Club. Ver- nonia Northern (www.vernoni anorthern.com) sponsors the scouting web site. C OME IN FOR OUR S OUP & S ANDWICH L UNCH S PECIALS Soup of the Day and Grilled Cheese Sandwich Only $4.75 721 Madison Ave.,Vernonia • 503-429-5018 Wednesdays - Fridays 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. and some Saturdays 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Also open by appointment, call Camrin @ 971.998.2223 725 Madison Ave. Vernonia, OR