Exclusive Interview… - Trinitas Hospital

Staying on thebalance beamIn order to be satisfied with your jobwithout resenting your time spent awayfrom your loved ones, it’s crucial to spendthe same amount of time with the family. Ifyour job demands additional hours, considerapproaching your boss to ask for an assistantto relieve some of your burden. If hiringan assistant is not an option, dedicateyour weekends strictly to your loved ones.Just say “No”Many people don’t know how to say“no.” To maintain balance in life, figuringout what your priorities are is a must.Basing decisions on what’s at the top andbottom of your list of priorities ensuresyou don’t fall in the trap of taking on morethan you can handle.Your child’s potential forsuccess depends on youGetting involved in your child’s schoolendeavors is the key to ensuring academicsuccess. First and foremost, don’t let yourown hurdles affect your child’s achievement.Research shows that parents withnegative childhood experiences are likely toshy away from contacting teachers and arenot involved in their children’s programs.You must remember that academic successoften leads to professional success, so getover your insecurities.If you are available during the day, it’s agood idea to drop in on extracurricularactivities. If you can’t make it to the baseballgame, soccer practice or dance rehearsal,at least try to pick up your child and hisor her friends. It shows you care and yourchild will appreciate the encouragement.For some of us – between the demandsof work and family – the challenge of jugglingit all can become grueling. For parentswhose schedules restrict them from havingthe time to attend parent/teacher conferencesor even to make a simple phone call,many teachers offer their email address soparents can foster some type of communicationto stay informed.“Many teachers welcome this form ofJeannette Dejesus, LCSW, Program Director at Elizabeth High School – Halsey House,far right, conducts a group session with student members of the YES program.communication as long as the parent doesnot expect daily updates,” commentsProgram Director Jeanette DeJesus, whoworks at Elizabeth High School’s YouthEnrichment Services (YES) program. But,involvement in your child’s academicsshould not start and end with the teacher.“Do not underestimate the value of maintainingan open communication with yourchild,” says Jeanette. For those who speakEnglish as a second language, publiclibraries often offer ESL classes, so correspondingwith teachers and fellow parentsbecomes an easy, more meaningful experience.Jeanette recommends that parentscheck with their child’s school PTO wherea liaison may be on staff to help bridge thecommunications gap.Every child has their own set ofstrengths, and with those strengths comeweaknesses. It’s not realistic to expect yourchild to be good at every subject or everysport. What is important is that parentsfocus on their child’s personal strengthsand talents.“Whatever their curiosity or interestsmay be, support them with knowledge andopportunities to exercise the relevantskills,” notes Brian Nandy, ProgramDirector for YES at Elizabeth HighSchool-Jefferson House, who adds,“Inquire if the school or local learninginstitution conducts personality or careertesting.” Mr. Nandy warns that childrenand adolescents are often unable to identifytheir strengths and weaknesses; therefore,they may lack an idea of realistic andtangible life goals which can, in turn, leadto a poor sense of self. “The CliftonStrengths Finder and The Myers-BriggsType Indicator are tools that can assist inassessing a child’s inclinations. Given thatthe dynamics of personal interests, motivationand life stressors may influence theresults of the tests, these tests may still beuseful as guides.”UNION COUNTY ORTHOPAEDIC GROUPIf you have an injury, why wait in an emergency roomwhen you can see us the same day - Just call.• We have orthopaedic specialists in Sports Injuries, Shoulder, Hand, Foot, Ankle, Hip and Knee• We treat Neck and Back Pain without Open Surgery❤ WE CAREWe handle all orthopaedic needs under one roof• DEXA (bone density) Scanning • X-Ray • MRI • Physical Therapy • EMG’sIN PRACTICE FOR 30 YEARS210 ST. GEORGES AVE., LINDEN • 908-486-1111FALL 2007 21