qtheallpowerful

I was talking with my son's principal today, and while not the subject of the meeting I asked about the new school social worker. I wanted to know if the kids would be able to talk to the social workers without the context of the discussion being told to parents. We live in an insular community and there are many things stigmatized. It is important for children to have a safe person with whom they can talk about things that they are not comfortable discussing with parents. I specifically told him my concern regard older children(this is a K-8 school) who are struggling with the ideas of puberty, sexuality, and mental health. He told me that he has spoken to the social workers about this a little, and hopefully it will work out that if the person approaches the social worker, the social worker can keep everything in confidence.

The principle told me that he has some of my same concerns, and there are a few kids he is keeping an eye on, because he suspects that some of the 'behavior issues' are do to them questioning their sexuality and orientation.

I am so scared for those kids. I really hope they can find a way to figure themselves out without being ostracized by their family and the community.