School Counselor

Welcome Zuni Families

My name is Ms. Jackie and I am your School Counselor for the 2023-2024 School Year!

• (505) 881-8313 ext. 45238

Resources for Families

• Coronavirus Hotline: 1-855-600-3453
• For non-health related COVID-19 questions: 1-833-551-0518
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• UNM Mental Health: 505-272-2800
• Alcoholics Anonymous: 505-266-1900
• AGORA NM Crisis Center: 505-277-3013
• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-773-3645
• Child Abuse Hotline: 505-841-6100
• Adult Protective Services: 1-866-654-3219 or 1-505-476-4912
• City of Albuquerque Senior Information Line: 505-764-6400
• New Mexico Crisis and Access Line: 855-662-7474

The 5 Steps To Empathic Listening

1. Give your child your undivided attention. Move away from distractions and focus all of your attention on your child. Make sure that your nonverbal communication sends the message that you are ready to listen. Don’t fidget in your seat or play with pens or paperclips. Instead, make eye contact, lean slightly forward, and nod your head periodically to let your child know you understand what they’re saying.
2. Be nonjudgmental. Passing judgment will probably drive your childaway. Their problem may not seem important to you, but it may be the most important thing happening in your child’s life at that moment.
3. Focus on your child’s feelings, not just the facts.Some children are able to describe their problems but not easily identify how they feel about what is happening to them. You need to listen carefully for your child’s real message. Is your child feeling angry, resentful, powerless, or scared? What are their feelings?
4. Allow silence for reflection. Before you speak, allow your child some time to reflect on what they’ve said. Slowly count to three before you respond. More often than not, they will be the one to break the silence with further information or reflection.
5. Use your interpretation to clarify messages. By offering your interpretation, you give your child the opportunity to clarify, and perhaps expand their message.

Activities For You And Your Child At Home

Write a Letter or Email of Gratitude

Think about something or someone you can thank for something they have done for you. Write it down. Send gratitude to that person today.

Happy Day

Start your day with an affirmation of having a happy day. Find three things that went well or made you laugh today. Notice how many times you laughed. Laughter is important!

Gratitude Journal

List three things that you are grateful in your journal every day. It can be family time, the sun, or a good night’s sleep. It can be little things or big things. Expressing gratitude boosts your mood and makes you feel better about your day.

Difficult Times

During difficult times and when you’re feeling blue, re-read your entries from your gratitude journal. This is an amazing practice – it builds resilience, optimism, and changes your overall state of mind.

Our Language Creates Our World

Words matter. The language we use helps to reinforce our understanding and our thinking. The more we practice mindful language, the more it becomes part of who we are, what we do, and how our children respond to what we are saying.

Start using the word ‘mindful’

“How many ways can we be mindful in showing our kindness today?”

“They look a bit sad. I want to be more mindful of what I can do to cheer them up.”

“I am grateful that we can spend time together.”

Mindful Moments of Reflection

Gratitude at Bedtime

It is fun to share what you are grateful for. Take some time before bed to think and share three things you are grateful for.

Journal Jotting

We love to remember funthings that happen to us. Share your stories together. Play a game called “Remember When.” Include sensory memories in your writing:

• What did you see?
• What did you smell?
• What did you hear?
• What did you taste?

Be a Mindful Role Model

Show kindness and gratitude. Choose an act of kindness around the home. Help a family member with a daily activity. A mindful parent will create a mindful child.

Kindness Brainstorm

Think of all the ways you and your child can be kind. Write them down and each day, choose one act of kindness!

Kindness to the Planet

Share with your child what you can do as a family to be mindful and kind to our planet. For example, we can be mindful of our use of plastic.

Smile and Say Thank You

Help your child understand the value of smiling and saying thank you. It is respectful and kind – and the bonus is it makes you and the other person feel good!

Difficult Times

When a child is feeling anxious, sad, or uncertain and is showing levels of anxiety, have them look into their gratitude journal and remember what makes them happy. This can change their brain and build a more positive mindset.

Gratitude Discussion

Gather as a family once a week at the dinner table or in a circle on the floor. Share what you are grateful for in each other and as a family. Pick an object, like a gratitude stone, and take turns sharing what you are grateful for.