The end of the school year always brings a storm of emotions with a long “to-do” list. Preparing for these final weeks could feel impossible for those leaving AAS, including myself. For decades, international schools have supported departing families with the acronym RAFT: Reconciliation, Affirmation, Farewells, and Think Destination. It seems straightforward: leave on a…
Spring Has Sprung
It’s that time of year again, spring, a time of renewal and rebirth. We get to watch the flowers blossoming and green grass return to our parks. With all of this happening, I recently found myself witnessing a rather amusing spring-themed scene: a parent was faced with the challenge of explaining to their young child…
January Blues
Preventing Child Suicide: Signs and Symptoms to Look For Have you ever heard of Blue Monday? After the holidays, many people can feel depressed or sad, and the third Monday in January (Blue Monday) is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. I can’t verify whether or not this is true for everyone, but…
Together in the Digital Age
How Parents Can Lead by Example in Family Screen Time As we navigate the digital age’s complexities, parents’ vital yet often overlooked role in modelling proper technology use becomes apparent. This role gains importance during family times, as our engagement choices influence our children’s digital habits. Like a small act of cultural creation, each decision…
Talking with Your Teens About Tech Use
Picture this: you’ve just asked your child to put away his phone before bedtime. You come back to check on him 5 minutes later and he’s still using his phone. An argument begins and both of you end up frustrated and angry. What about this? Your daughter comes home from school in tears because someone…
Hellos and Goodbyes
After working in international schools for 14 years, this time brings the same mix of emotions, chaos, and celebrations regardless of what country or school I am at. Spring is here to remind us that we can be excited about the renewal of life. And, at the same time, the end of the school year…
The Power of Nature for Our Moods and Our Cognitive Abilities
I grew up in a family who valued getting out into nature. My parents met while participating in the backcountry ski patrol and ski touring clubs in Washington State. I like to joke that if it were not for the outdoors, I might not exist. Rain, snow, or shine, my brother and I were taken…
Opening the Door
Over the last several weeks, AAS students across all 3 divisions have been learning about topics related to Health and Wellness. In the Middle School, this unit is known more informally as Sex Ed. For some of our readers, those words may conjure up awkward teenage memories of bananas and condoms. We have enjoyed creating…
Wellbeing at University
Every few weeks the counselors at AAS write an article on the theme of “Wellbeing”. As the university counselor at AAS, it makes sense that I write about a wellness theme that relates to university. First, we should establish what “wellness” means. Wellness is “the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to…
Easing Into the Post-Holiday Season
While some are feeling the post-holiday blues, I am in introverted bliss. Sure, I miss the holiday decorations, Christmas markets, and vacation time. However, as someone who truly appreciates time at home, I love when January hits and all of a sudden it becomes “acceptable” to hibernate for the next few months. This is the…
Taking Off the Weight
Our Parent Coffee this week focused on mental health. In the spirit of well-being, I would like to share a favourite story. There is a famous story of a Zen master travelling with his disciple in Japan. The Zen Master and his young protégé have taken strict vows, and are forbidden from touching and speaking…
It Takes a Village…
I pride myself on being an independent woman and a professional, to a fault at times. Western society places a high value on self-reliance. It has been ingrained in me since I was a child. If my first year of motherhood has solidified anything, it is that at times you are going to need support…
