The Villager November 2018
Children, their parents and suicide….
There is a trend which I am witnessing, and that is when a child comes forward with their thoughts of suicide the last thing they want is for their parents to find out. As we know, legally this is not an option, and the parents are notified. The reason youth don’t want their parent to know is simple. Based on their past experiences, they anticipate that all of the relatives and family friends will be told. This is not what they want nor need. They need you to be there for them and not broadcast it.
Some students say that their parents won’t take it seriously and, in some cases, I have seen that this is an accurate assessment. Whether you see it as a cry for help or attention, the consequences of being wrong could be life ending for the child and life altering for all involved. This is one of those times where they need you the most as they believe, in many cases; if they died nobody would notice. This is a time to remain calm and not overreact. A serious adult like conversation needs to occur between the child and the parents to discover what is causing the distress. Sometimes professional help is required facilitate a healthy conversation. Aren’t our kids worth it?
Goal update – In December of 2016 I challenged myself to bench 300lbs before I turn 60. On September 11 of 2017 I was able to bench 300lbs twice. My new goal became 315lbs equalling my personal best. On May 11, I benched 315lbs and then 320lbs my new personal best. Unfortunately, on Father’s Day I was in the hospital having emergency abdominal surgery. I am now back in the weight room setting new goals weekly working to get back up into the 300lb area before I turn 60.
Police Humour:
When told, 20 year old Alex of Hunt Street, that a woman had identified him as one of three men who burst into an apartment on Court Street last Saturday night and the held the occupants at gunpoint, he said that was impossible.
“How could she tell it was me? I had a mask on,” he reportedly told police.
6 Reasons Why I Got Into Law Enforcement:
- I hate sleep
- I love to work holidays
- I can’t live without stress
- I love being underpaid
- I wanted to have a disturbed family life
- I didn’t want to hang out with my friends anymore
“Parenting with Eyes Wide Open” was finished and printed in July, 2018. The response has been overwhelming and humbling. After receiving many requests from parents, teaching professionals and others with an invested interest in youth, a study guide is being developed to further assist readers. This will provide a platform for parents to come together and discuss what seems to work and what doesn’t within their communities.
Recently I was presenting to schools within Cold Lake and Bonnyville, and had the opportunity to present two parent sessions with a total of approximately 60 people. Attendees were purchasing two or three books so they could share with others. It was overwhelming to receive such a positive response. Thank you! The book is available on Kindle; through the website www.lifesynergy4youth.com; and at Indigo located on 130th Ave S.E. Calgary. The best deal is to purchase a book at a parent session which is $20.00 per book, GST included.
Testimonials of the month:
This powerful day provides students and staff with information that can help transform the culture in any school and community. Through our words and actions, we have the ability to make a positive difference in our families, our school and our community.
Some comments about THINK Day:
“The philosophy of THINK is empowering and I think that the more we can educate children on the reality of the world they live in, the better.” Teacher
“Something that stuck with the students was that if the bystanders intervened, then bullying/fighting would not happen.” Teacher
“I feel that Sheryl did a great job making it real for the students and giving a face to the victims of bullying and the impact it can have on a community.” Teacher
“She (Sheryl) really gets into it. She doesn’t just say ‘don’t bully’. You can tell she really cares about it.” Student
I absolutely love your book and I couldn’t put it down. I read it while I was on holidays and I am reading it a second time. I am bending over pages and highlighting areas of the book. This book really spoke to me as a parent and made me think about my childhood. Every parent needs to read this book. You really put yourself out there in this book. Thank you for doing this for us. I am a better parent already as a result of this book.
Mom of three