The post Thriving as a Parent first appeared on International British School of Bucharest.

Presenter: Hannah Scorer, Key Stage 4 Coordinator

See the presentation here.

Sources:

https://www.headspace.com/

The post Parent Workshop: Revision and Mental-health first appeared on International British School of Bucharest.

This workshop was designed to raise awareness of the kinds of bullying that can take place, as well as strategies that can be used at school and at home to minimise its effects. It also explored the relatively new phenomenon of cyber (online) bullying and discussed what can be done to prevent it.

What Participants Gained:

• Understanding what bullying is: including how it is described by the UK Department for Education, and specifically in the context of (inter-)national Anti-Bullying Week #powerforgood.
• Thinking about culture: bullying behaviour often exists within overlapping contexts—friendship groups, school classes, individual institutions, and within a national perception of what is acceptable.
• The online world: schools with strong adherence to healthy values educate pupils on what healthy online behaviour looks like, particularly in terms of relationships with others. A healthy school culture also teaches young people to share concerns, whether with parents, school staff, or even social media companies.
• Reporting mechanisms: schools like IBSB with strong anti-bullying policies offer a range of ways for pupils to share concerns, including anonymous reporting (post box or QR code), pupil surveys, and trained student mentors.
• Proactive parenting: good schools foster an open dialogue with parents on these matters, educating through workshops and regular kindness initiatives for pupils, such as charity work and form-time activities. Parents are similarly advised to engage in open dialogue with children about online activity and put reasonable limits and checks on their online behaviour.
• Anti-bullying and kindness within school culture: IBSB keeps anti-bullying approaches at the forefront, regularly revisiting key definitions and reporting mechanisms in form times, assemblies, and the taught PSHE curriculum. Anti-Bullying Week was marked this November as a whole-school event, alongside Kindness Week (May 2025), which began this year.

This parent workshop provided practical strategies to recognise and minimise the impact of bullying, whether in person or online.

You can view the presentation from the workshop here.

The post Anti-bullying strategies: online and in-person first appeared on International British School of Bucharest.

By combining practical parenting techniques with the latest research in childhood emotional and cognitive development, participants learned effective ways to support their child’s growth.

Throughout the workshop, parents explored strategies to help their children integrate different parts of their brain, fostering the connections needed for them to better understand and manage their emotions and thoughts.

The session empowered parents in their parenting journey with science-backed methods for nurturing their child’s well-being and resilience.

You can view the presentation from the workshop here.

The post Decoding Little Minds: Parenting Through Developmental Stages first appeared on International British School of Bucharest.

“I recently returned from the NASA Cape Canaveral Kennedy Space Centre, where I participated in an amazing experience with some incredible bright and talented students. The fact that I got to meet and work with students from around the world was amazing. And then to be selected as a member of one of the top 4 teams to design a space settlement on the Moon, was truly humbling.”   

Sarmiza is a student enrolled at IBSB in the first year of her A Level programme, aspiring toward a future career medicine.

The post IBSB Student Selected for Special Nasa Moon Settlement Project first appeared on International British School of Bucharest.

This workshop is designed to equip you with practical tools and techniques to manage anger effectively, fostering a more harmonious home environment.

What You’ll Gain:

Understanding Anger: Anger is a natural emotion, but when it becomes frequent or intense, it can strain your relationships and well-being. Learn about the nature of anger, its psychological and physiological triggers, and how it impacts both you and your children.

Identifying Triggers: Discover the specific situations or behaviours that set off your anger and how to recognize them early. This self-awareness is the first step in preventing anger from spiralling out of control.

Developing Coping Strategies: Master evidence-based techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation to manage anger in the moment and reduce its frequency over time.

Improving Communication: Enhance your ability to express your feelings calmly and constructively, leading to better family interactions. Effective communication can prevent misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of anger.

Promoting Emotional Intelligence: Foster emotional intelligence in yourself and your children to better handle emotions and stress. Teaching your children about emotions can help them develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Join us to transform how you handle anger and create a calmer, happier home. Sign up today for “Cultivating Calm: Anger Management Strategies for Parents” and take the first step towards a more peaceful parenting experience.

A Parent Workshop on learning ways to manage anger

Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024 (09:00-10:00)

Location: IBSB School Cafeteria

Presenter: Cristina Latcu, IBSB Secondary School Student Counsellor

Registration: https://forms.office.com/e/V0xDPmWSSA

The post Join Our Workshop: “Cultivating Calm: Anger Management Strategies for Parents” first appeared on International British School of Bucharest.

Understanding the Need for Psychological Evaluation

Psychological evaluations are comprehensive assessments conducted by trained professionals to diagnose developmental, behavioural, and emotional disorders. These evaluations typically include interviews, observations, standardized tests, and consultations with other professionals who interact with the child, such as teachers or paediatricians. For conditions like autism, early diagnosis and intervention are essential. Research consistently shows that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes, helping children develop critical skills and enhancing their overall quality of life.

Recognizing the signs and seeking a professional evaluation can provide clarity and direction. It allows for the development of a tailored intervention plan, which might include therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or applied behaviour analysis. These interventions can support your child’s development, helping them to navigate their world more effectively and improve their interactions and communication skills.

Overcoming Stigmas and Fear

Despite the clear benefits of psychological evaluations, many parents experience significant fear and guilt when facing the possibility that their child might have a developmental disorder. This fear is often compounded by societal stigma. Unfortunately, mental health issues are still misunderstood and stigmatized in many communities. Parents might worry about how others will perceive their child or fear being judged as inadequate caregivers.

This stigma can create a powerful barrier to seeking help. It is essential to recognize that seeking an evaluation does not define your child by their challenges but rather opens the door to understanding their unique needs and strengths. The sooner these needs are identified, the sooner you can begin to support your child in the most effective ways.

Embracing Acceptance and Moving Forward

Acceptance is a vital part of this journey. It is natural to grieve the loss of the expectations you had for your child’s development. However, accepting a diagnosis does not mean giving up hope. Instead, it means adjusting your expectations and finding new ways to support and celebrate your child’s progress.

As parents, it is important to educate yourself about the condition and connect with other families who are going through similar experiences. Support groups and advocacy organizations can provide valuable resources and a sense of community. Sharing experiences with others who understand can reduce feelings of isolation and empower you to advocate for your child’s needs effectively.

Moreover, acceptance involves self-compassion. It is common for parents to feel guilt or blame themselves for their child’s condition. It is crucial to remember that developmental disorders are complex and multifactorial. They are not the result of parental actions or failures. Practicing self-compassion allows you to better support your child without being overwhelmed by self-blame.

Conclusion

The journey of addressing concerning symptoms in your child through psychological evaluation is a courageous and necessary step. It is a journey that involves overcoming societal stigma, embracing acceptance, and seeking the best possible outcomes for your child. By prioritizing early intervention and understanding, you can help your child lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it sets the foundation for your child to thrive.

Delia Ciobanu

IBSB Student Counsellor

The post The importance of Psychological Evaluation in Children: Addressing Stigma, Embracing Acceptance first appeared on International British School of Bucharest.

Effective Study Techniques

Create a Study Schedule: Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks. Allocate specific times for each subject and stick to your plan. Consistency is key.

Understand Your Learning Style: Whether you’re a visual learner who benefits from diagrams and charts, an auditory learner who retains information better through listening, or a kinesthetic learner who needs hands-on activities, tailor your study methods to what suits you best.

Use Active Learning: Engage with the material actively. Summarize information in your own words, create flashcards, quiz yourself, and discuss topics with friends. Teaching others is also a powerful way to reinforce your understanding.

Practice Past Papers: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and question styles by practicing past papers. This helps you gauge the types of questions you might face and identify areas where you need more practice.

Take Regular Breaks: Studying for long periods without breaks can lead to burnout. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method—study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This keeps your mind fresh and focused.

Stay Organized: Keep all your study materials, notes, and resources well-organized. A clutter-free environment can help reduce distractions and improve concentration.

Stress Management Strategies

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep. Physical health directly impacts your mental clarity and energy levels.

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can reduce stress and improve your mood. Even a short walk or some light stretching can make a difference.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. There are many apps and online resources available to guide you through these practices.

Stay Positive: Maintain a positive outlook and remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Positive self-talk can boost your confidence and help you stay motivated.

Connect with Others: Don’t isolate yourself. Talk to friends, family, or teachers about your worries. Sometimes, just sharing your feelings can alleviate stress. Study groups can also be beneficial, as long as they stay focused and productive.

Set Realistic Goals: Aim to do your best, but recognize that perfection isn’t always achievable. Set achievable goals and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Seek Help When Needed: If stress becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. School counsellors, teachers, and parents are there to support you. Sometimes, talking through your concerns with a trusted adult can provide relief and new perspectives.

Remember, exams are just one part of your educational journey. They are an opportunity to showcase what you’ve learned, but they do not define your worth or future success. Stay focused, take care of yourself, and approach your exams with confidence and a positive mindset.

Cristina Latcu

IBSB Student Counsellor

The post Practical tips to help you study effectively and manage the stress first appeared on International British School of Bucharest.

Know when you are vulnerable
Understanding your vulnerabilities as a parent is crucial for navigating stressful situations effectively. Reflecting on past experiences can provide valuable insight: how did you feel before the event happened? What happened/triggered the event? What did you think about what happened? What words came to your mind after the event? How did your body feel? What is the name of the emotion that describes what you were feeling? How did you act because of your feeling? What would have been a more helpful response?

Identifying the specific emotions you felt and understanding their impact on your actions enables you to consider more constructive responses for similar situations in the future.

Instead of evaluating your child’s behaviour try to simply describe it
For example, instead of using evaluative language, simply say something like, ‘’I see that you are studying for many hours’’ and do not label or judge at all. To move from evaluative language (1) describe the behaviour just as you see it, and (2) describe the consequence of that behaviour. For instance you might say to your child, (A) ‘’You’re being so good (evaluative statement) and making me proud now’’, or (B) ‘’You’re spending lot of time on your homework (non-evaluative and describing), and it makes me feel good when you do that (focus on consequences)’’.

Statement A labels and judges; your child will likely feel you are talking about him rather than his behaviour. The child doesn’t know exactly what he is doing to make you proud or what he needs to do in the future. Statement B describes what the child is doing in a way that is clear to him and can be repeated in the future.

The more you are able to use descriptive rather than judgmental language, the better your child will be able to know himself and to understand the connection between his behaviours, your reactions, and how he feels about himself.

You child is not her behaviour
Our reactions to children’s behaviours are shaped by assumptions we make about their behaviours. Your assumptions or judgements (the way in which you think about your child) will affect how you feel about and how you respond to your child. The danger in jumping to conclusions is that you will act as if something is true when it may not be.

Behaviour can be changed. Children’s behavioural responses are learned and not ingrained in their personalities. Understanding and helping your child depends on learning to separate your child from her behaviour. Your child is not her behaviour. Her behaviours are what she does, not who she is. Why is this distinction important? You don’t want your child to grow up thinking she is inherently damaged, has a flawed character, or should be ashamed of herself.

Learn to accept yourself
Learning to accept yourself may be one of the hardest skills you’ll learn, and it’s also a crucial lesson. A lack of self-acceptance often leads to parenting choices based on emotions such as guilt, which may make you feel better in the moment but they aren’t necessary effective in the long run. When you can be more accepting on yourself, you will have more patience with yourself and your child and be better able to make your parenting decisions wisely.

In the wild ride of parenting, where emotions can run high and obstacles seem endless, it’s crucial to understand yourself. Think of it like having a guidebook to help you through the tough times. By recognizing your weak spots, describing behaviours without judging, realizing your child isn’t just their actions, and learning to accept yourself, you give yourself the best chance at navigating the ups and downs of raising a child with intense emotions.

So, keep in mind that even when things get tough, there’s always something valuable to learn and with each challenge, you’re not only growing as a parent, but also as a person.

Delia Ciobanu
IBSB Student Counsellor

The post Tips for Parenting a Child with Intense Emotions first appeared on International British School of Bucharest.

I then moved to London to study something else, and 6 years later I’m still here, I haven’t really had the chance to speak French anymore, just maybe to give instructions in French to foreigners. Recently, I started teaching beginner French lessons to children, so learning the language in high school helped me find a side job.

To conclude, I no longer ended up doing fashion design or staying in France to find a job, but every year I spend vacations in France and come back to Paris to visit my old classmates, and get to know French is always very practical. So, I can say that speaking French helped me much more than my fashion degree.

The post How has French helped me in life? IBSB Alumni confession on studying in France first appeared on International British School of Bucharest.