When kids are unraveling from an emotional standpoint, the best thing we can do is demonstrate by our response how we want them to respond in the future.

Click here for more

Polly answers the question: “Why is it that my high school students don’t learn from things that happen to their peers? A senior crashed his car texting while driving but everyone still does it! It seems like they think ‘it won’t happen to me.’ How can I help them learn life lessons without making every mistake for themselves?”

Click here for more

Look past a child’s behavior to see what the causal factor is.

Click here for more

Polly answers the question: “My 8th graders do not take responsibility for anything, whether it’s homework, fighting, or running in the halls. Instead, they blame, make excuses, and complain. What can I do?”

Click here for more

Do kids know how to play? No. The solution? Play more!

Click here for more

Polly answers the question: “Our school spirit has seriously declined in the last couple of years thanks to the pandemic and everything else. How do we get it back?”

Click here for more

Behavior management plans help us to manage kids’ behaviors. But we don’t stop there. We also need to teach skills.

Click here for more

Polly answers the question: “I have a 6th grader who keeps disrupting my history class so I give her detentions. But I’m not seeing any improvements in her behavior. How do I get better results?”

Click here for more

Refusal is one of the top behaviors we’re seeing in our schools! But it’s often viewed as disrespect.

Click here for more

Polly answers the question: “Due to the pandemic and everything else my 8th graders are behind academically and emotionally. Do you have any tips on how to prepare these kids for high school? I really worry about that!”

Click here for more