Gerard John’s Website

School Counselor

(Please scroll down to the bottom of my page)

I pray that Christ’s unconditional love will continue to dwell in your lives and the lives of your loved ones. My role as the school counselor is to provide a systematic and comprehensive program that ensures academic, social, personal, spiritual, and career achievement for all students.

MY ROLE AS A SCHOOL COUNSELOR

1. ADVOCACY: I work on behalf of students and their families to ensure that all school programs offer the opportunity for success of each

student.

2. CONSULTATION: A collaborative partnership in which I work with parents, teachers, administrators and medical professionals in

order to help students be successful in the education system.

3. COORDINATION: A leadership program in which I assist parents in obtaining needed services for their children through referrals and a

follow-up process.

4. PROFESSIONALISM: I adhere to ethical standards of the profession and relevant statutes established by federal, state and local

government.

5. AVAILABILITY: I try to make myself accessible to parents, students and teachers to explore and discuss concerns that may arise in the

daily interactions with students.

6. COUNSELING: A confidential relationship in which I work with students individually and/or in small groups to help them resolve conflict

or cope constructively with their challenges and developmental concerns.

7. MULTICULTURAL SENSITIVITY: I try to understand the diverse cultural background of the students with whom I work. This includes,

but is not limited to, learning how my own cultural/ethnic identity impacts student’s values and

beliefs.

8. CONTINUED EDUCATION: I am committed to continued professional growth and personal development through attending periodic

seminars in my field of work.

CONTACT INFORMATION: To set an appointment for a conference, please fell free to contact me (Gerard John) at (954) 447-4658 or the school office (954) 431-5253.

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FATHER FACTS:

ü In an analysis of nearly 100 studies on parent-child relationships, father love was as important as mother love in predicting the social, emotional and cognitive development and functioning of children and young adults.

ü Having a loving and nurturing father was as important for a child’s happiness, well being and social and academic success as having a loving and nurturing mother.

ü Withdrawal of love by either the father or the mother was equally influential in predicting a child’s emotional instability, lack of self-esteem, depression, social withdrawal and level of aggression.

ü In some studies, father love was actually a better predictor than mother love for certain outcomes, including delinquency and conduct problems, substance abuse and overall mental health and well being.

ü Other studies found that father love as the sole significant predictor for certain outcomes, such as psychological adjustment problems, conduct problems and substance abuse

Ø RESPECT YOUR CHILD’S MOTHER:

One of the best things a father can do for his children is to respect their mother. If you are married, keep your marriage strong and vital. If you are not, it is still important to respect and support the mother of your children. A father and mother who respect each other, and let their children know it, provide a secure environment for them. When children see their parents respecting each other, they are more likely to feel that they are also accepted and respected.

Ø SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILD:

How a father spends time tells his children what’s important to him. If you always seem too busy for your children, they may feel neglected no matter what you say. Treasuring children often means sacrificing other things. Missed opportunities are forever lost.

Ø YOU, MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE, CAN GIVE YOUR CHILDREN LIFELONG SELF-WORTH

How your children perceive their worth in dad’s eyes powerfully influences their lives. A man makes a lasting mark on his kid’s lives when he gives them appropriate praise. It inspires them and gives them an incentive to reach higher. Never call your children names or use demeaning words—from dad, those arrows inflict deep wounds that may never be healed. Separate any negative behavior from who they are as a person.

Ø DISCIPLINE WITH LOVE:

All children need guidance and discipline to set reasonable limits. Remind your children of the consequences of their actions and provide meaningful rewards for desirable behavior. Fathers who discipline in a calm and fair manner show love for their children.

Ø BE A ROLE MODEL:

Fathers are role models to their children whether they realize it or not. A girl who spends time with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves to be treated with respect by boys and what to look for in a husband. Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humility and responsibility. “All the world’s a stage….” and a father plays one of the most vital roles.

Ø BE A TEACHER:

Too many fathers think teaching is something others do. A father who teaches his children about right and wrong and encourage them to do their best, will see his children make good choices. Involved fathers use everyday examples to help their children learn the basic lessons of life.

Ø EAT TOGETHER AS A FAMILY:

Sharing a meal together can be an important part of healthy family life. In addition to

providing some structure in a busy day, it gives children a chance to talk about what

they are doing and want to do. It is also a good time for fathers to listen and give

guidance.

Ø SHOW AFFECTION:

Children need the security that comes from knowing they are wanted, accepted and loved by their family. Parents, especially fathers, need to feel both comfortable and willing to hug their children. Showing affection everyday is the best way to let your children know that you love them.

Ø REALIZE THAT A FATHER’S JOB IS NEVER DONE:

Even after children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Whether it’s continued schooling, a new job or a wedding, fathers continue to play an essential part in the lives of their children as they grow and perhaps marry and build their own families.

Ø BE VULNERABLE AND ADMITT YOUR WEAKNESSES:

Pride makes us fear people thinking we are weak, instead of in charge. Our children

do not only need to see our successes, they need to see that we make mistakes and

seek healing as well. They need to see that when we make bad decisions, we deal

with them responsibly.

Ø DON’T BE AFRAID TO SHOW YOUR TENDER SIDE:

Tender words and affection matter. Studies show that when children don’t experience that affection, they will search for it in self-destructive ways. A day should not go by that a dad does not tell his children, “I love you”. Each day may be the last time we have that opportunity.

ü There is nothing that will EVER stop me from loving you

ü I am so happy that you are MY child.

ü I thank God for blessing me with you in my life

ü I am sorry for not showing you how much you mean to me.

ü You did a good job today and I am so proud of you.

AGENCIES TO GET HELP WITH COUNSELING:

1. Children’s Home Society….(954) 453-6400

2. Kids In Distress…..(954) 390-7654

3. Camelot….(954) 958-0988

4. Children’s Harbor….(954) 252-3072

5. Institute for Family Centered Services….(954) 929-1215

6. Call 211 (First call for help) for more services