Professional development is a huge part of the Rohan Woods experience. Faculty and staff take part in hundreds of hours of professional development each year. Some opportunities center around curriculum instruction and methodologies, while others focus on developing the whole child.
This week, Kristin Seymour, an advanced practice nurse who is board certified specializing in ADHD, provided an interactive session with Rohan Woods faculty and staff to share strategies to better the lives of our students. Kristin works alongside Dr. Ned Hallowell, a world renowned, Harvard educated psychiatrist who is an authority on ADHD. Kristin talked with the faculty, answering questions and providing research. We are so very fortunate that Kristin had the time to spend with us as she works with hundreds of children and their families all over the United States.
As Kristin and I were preparing for her arrival, she said something profound that struck me. We were discussing the strategies used and success rate for students who benefit from her expertise. Kristin said, “Children want to feel needed and valued by their families and friends. That’s all they want. And a great way to make that happen is to give them chores.” Kristin shared research that suggests children who have a set of chores have higher self-esteem and are more responsible than their counterparts who don’t have chores. Marty Rossman, who is associated with the University of Mississippi, collected data for more than 25 years. He determined, “The best predictor of young adults’ success in their mid 20’s was they participated in household tasks beginning as young as the age of three or four.”
Rohan Woods parents – I have a challenge for you. Make sure your children have chores like making their beds, cleaning off the dinner table, sweeping the front porch and helping with laundry. Lay the foundation for a strong work ethic while making your child feel valued. It’s a win, win!
I want to thank Kristin Seymour for her words of wisdom that will positively impact the students of Rohan Woods School.
All the best,
Sam