In this complex world we live in, teachers, students and parents are exposed to so many negative influences that can weaken self-esteem and cause both physical and emotional stress. These influences include natural disasters, war, bullying, child predators, media violence, financial difficulties and family problems.

Dr. Joseph Debe, in his abstract "The Impact of Stress on the Brain" concluded, "Stress can indeed impair brain function" and the Franklin Institute reports, chronic over-secretion of stress hormones adversely affects brain function, especially memory.

If the old African proverb, "it takes a village to raise a child," is true, then supporting both teachers, parents, and students is essential to creating an environment where students can reach their highest potential. For children to become life-long learners and contributing members of the community, it is imperative that we balance the negative influences in their lives with positive lessons in resiliency, motivation and stress management.

If as parents you can relax yourself, a powerful phenomenon can happen. When researchers, studied the brains of people who could achieve deep states of relaxation, they found higher than normal levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for creating feelings of well-being, relaxation, joy, concentration and physical health.

Although the research team was delighted to see this rise in serotonin levels, what surprised them the most was that people living in the same house as those who practiced deep relaxation also had higher than normal serotonin levels. What the scientists hypothesized was that our emotional state deeply affects those around us.

As parents this is a critical finding that can apply to our homes. Children are barometers for our emotional states. When you are relaxed your children will be more relaxed. As our world becomes more complex today's children desperately need strong, grounded adults who can help them navigate through the social-emotional and educational demands that are placed on them. When you become a relaxed parent your home becomes a safe harbor where every child can grow into who they are meant to be.

You are the person they look up to. You are the one who can show them the possibilities. You are who can motivate them to be the best that they can be.

Thank you for what you do to uplift and inspire your children to reach their highest potential. Thank you for the time and energy you put into your children. Most of all thank you for who you are.

— — —
Debbie Milam is the co-creator of "Empowering Our Children: Creating Connected Families, Classrooms, and Communities " . She is an occupational therapist and life coach whose work has been featured in over 300 media outlets including The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, PBS and The Hallmark Channel. Visit her website for more books and resources to help you be a highly effective parent. Visit her online at www.bestyoucanbe.org and sign up for her newsletter to receive your special report, "Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family." © Copyright 2008 Debbie Milam.

— — —

ReligionAndSpirituality.com is a big tent for all expressions

of faith and spirituality, neither excluding

nor favoring any. All opinions expressed belong to the writer alone, and are not necessarily shared by ReligionAndSpirituality.com.