An inch of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Today more than ever our students need skills to control impulses, problem solve, manage stress, and effectively deal with emotions.  The overworked parents, instant and scary world of technology, and expectations on our kids to grow up too fast brings about extra pressure.  Year after year I wonder who is going to teach these skills to kids before they get into trouble-before it's too late.   Sadly, we're in a system that doesn't provide help until it is too late.

Why should it be our job as a school system to teach students these non-academic skills?  Newtown comes to mind as does the simple fact that students ability to learn is deminished if they have uncontrolled emotions.  As SLP's I find that we can be a valuable resource to build awareness around this topic and teach strategies to students.