Growing Together Full Presentation Growing Together
Supporting the Well-being of You and Your Teenager
Compton Unified School District
The Heart of the Home
Why We Are Here
48% of parents say stress is "completely overwhelming"
Parental stress is a 2024 Surgeon General public health concern
Nearly 1 in 5 children have a mental health condition
Parental well-being is directly connected to child outcomes
What is Stress?
Helpful Stress
Motivates us to perform better, meet deadlines, and grow.
Unhelpful Stress
Becomes overwhelming, ongoing, and interferes with daily life.
Facing the Challenges
Common for Parents
Financial strain (school costs, instability)
Time demands (schedules, homework)
Children’s safety & health (social media)
Work-life balance (juggling duties)
Parental isolation (lack of support)
Common for Children
Academic pressures (tests, grades)
Social challenges (conflicts, fitting in)
Overscheduling (too many activities)
Family changes (moving, difficulties)
Technology & social media pressures
Listening to the Signals
Stress shows up in different ways. Look for these signs in your teen and yourself:
Physical
Headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep.
Emotional
Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, withdrawal, or tearfulness.
Behavioral
Avoiding school, declining grades, or loss of interest in activities.
The 4 A’s Framework
A
Avoid
Plan ahead, set boundaries, and eliminate unnecessary stressors.
A
Alter
Communicate feelings, manage time better, and explain your limits.
A
Accept
Talk it out, practice forgiveness, and learn from mistakes.
A
Adapt
Adjust expectations, reframe negative thoughts, and focus on positives.
The 1-Minute Reset
Box Breathing
Inhale 4 counts, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4. Repeat.
Resets the nervous system in seconds.
Balloon Breaths
Inhale deeply to “fill the balloon” in your belly, then slowly exhale.
Great for grounding during a busy day.
Counted Breath
Breathe in for 5 counts, hold 3, breathe out for 5 counts.
Focuses the mind and slows the heart rate.
"Breathing is the fastest way to tell your brain you are safe."
Self-Care Strategies
• Mindfulness: Dedicate 10 mins daily for breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Physical activity: Walking, stretching, or exercise reduces stress hormones.
• Take breaks: Even one-minute “micro-breaks” with deep breaths help reset.
• Talk it out: Connect with friends, family, or a support group.
Healthy Routines
• Consistent schedule: Regular times for meals, homework, and bedtime.
• Adequate sleep: Bedtime routine; limit screens before bed.
• Physical activity: Daily movement—sports, walks, dancing.
• Family connection: Shared meals, notes, or 5-min daily check-ins.
Coping Together
Active: Walking, yoga, sports, jumping jacks.
Creative: Drawing, journaling, music, building.
Calming: Reading, listening to music, outdoors.
Model Calm Coping
Children learn by watching you.
• Say it out loud: “I’m stressed, so I’m going for a walk.”
• Practice deep breathing together as a family.
• Show that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Effort, Not Perfection
Praising effort over outcomes builds resilience and reduces performance anxiety.
• Celebrate small wins: “You stuck with it!”
• Help kids set realistic, achievable goals.
• Normalize mistakes as part of learning and growth.
• Affirmations: “I am capable and doing my best.”
Talking About Stress
• Ask open-ended questions: “How are you feeling?”
• Listen without judgment: Put away distractions.
• Validate feelings: “I understand this is hard.”
• Avoid over-reassuring: “You’ll be fine” can backfire.
When to Seek Professional Help?
• Anxiety or sadness persists for weeks or months.
• Child avoids school, friends, or activities.
• Physical symptoms have no medical cause.
• Reassurance no longer helps calm worries.
• You feel too overwhelmed to enjoy family time.
Contact Our Team
Ms. Taylor
ktaylor@compton.k12.ca.us
Ms. Funderburk
cfunderburk@compton.k12.ca.us
Ms. Ray
gray@compton.k12.ca.us
Support Resources
Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Free, confidential support 24/7.
Crisis Text: HOME to 741741
Support via text message anytime.
SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357
Treatment referral and information.
Your School Counselor
A great first step for student concerns.
"You are doing a great job."
Compton Unified School District • 2026
Family Wellness Full Handout Family Wellness Toolkit
Compton Unified School District
Growing Together Workshop
2026
The 4 A’s of Management
Avoid
Set boundaries; eliminate unnecessary stressors.
Alter
Communicate feelings; manage time better.
Accept
Practice forgiveness; learn from mistakes.
Adapt
Reframe negative thoughts; adjust expectations.
Breathing Reset
Box: Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4.
Balloon: Deep belly inhale, slow exhale.
Counted: Inhale 5, hold 3, exhale 5.
Home Routines
Regular meal & bed times
Calming screen-free habits
Daily family movement
5-minute daily check-ins
Coping Menu
Active
Walking, yoga, sports, jumping jacks.
Creative
Journaling, drawing, music, Legos.
Calming
Reading, outdoors, music, meditation.
Effort over Perfection
Praise effort, celebrate small wins, normalize mistakes as growth, and use affirmation statements like "I am doing my best."
One small win for me today...
Recognizing Stress
Physical
Headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, appetite/sleep changes.
Emotional
Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, withdrawal, tearfulness.
Behavioral
Avoiding school, declining grades, loss of activity interest.
Talking About Stress
Ask open-ended questions
Listen without judgment
Validate their feelings
Avoid over-reassuring Model calm coping for them!
Contact Our Team
Ms. Taylor: ktaylor@compton.k12.ca.us
Ms. Funderburk: cfunderburk@compton.k12.ca.us
Ms. Ray: gray@compton.k12.ca.us
24/7 Crisis Support
Text HOME to 741741 | Dial 988
SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357
Compton Unified School District • Support for Students & Families
Growing Together Full Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide
Growing Together: A Full Workshop Guide
Compton Unified School District
Parent & Teenager Support Workshop
Workshop Overview
This workshop is designed to deliver comprehensive stress management strategies in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. We integrate the traditional stress-management "4 A's" with modern, collaborative approaches to family wellness.
Core Educational Pillars:
The 4 A’s
Avoid, Alter, Accept, Adapt as practical frameworks for home life.
Signal Recognition
Identifying physical, emotional, and behavioral stress markers.
Resilient Routines
Building predictability through anchors and screen-free time.
Effort over Perfection
Reframing outcomes to build teen resilience and parent self-compassion.
60-Min Pacing
Welcome & Context 10 min
Signals & Stressors 10 min
The 1-Min Reset (Active) 10 min
The 4 A’s Framework 10 min
Rhythms & Connection 15 min
Closing & Resources 5 min
Detailed Facilitation Notes
Slide 2: The Heart of the Home
Context: Share the statistic (50% of parents overwhelmed). Use this to normalize their stress.
"Explain that stress isn't a sign of failure—it's a sign of a high-stakes job. Help parents see the difference between helpful (short-term) and unhelpful (ongoing) stress."
Slide 3 & 4: Signals & Challenges
Context: Identifying stress in self vs. teen. Acknowledge parent isolation and academic pressures.
"Ask parents to look at the 'Physical' box. How many of them carry stress in their shoulders? Ask how they see it in their teens—is it withdrawal or grades? This connects the data to their actual living room."
Slide 6: The 4 A’s of Calm
Context: This is a core management framework from the original curriculum.
"Don't just read them. Give one example for each: Avoid (no social media before bed), Alter (ask for help with chores), Accept (it's okay to have a bad day), Adapt (lower expectations for a busy week)."
Slide 7 & 8: Rhythms & Connection
Context: Practical home application. 'Connection over Correction.'
"Emphasize the 'Effort over Perfection' piece. Tell parents: 'If you model making a mistake and being okay with it, you give your teen permission to do the same.'"
Slide 9: Support & Team Contacts
Family Wellness Full Handout Growing Together Toolkit
Compton Unified School District
Parent Support Resource
2026 Workshop
Understanding Stress
Why It Matters:
Parental well-being is directly connected to child mental health. 48% of parents report overwhelming stress.
Helpful vs Unhelpful
Helpful: Motivates & grows. Unhelpful: Ongoing & interferes.
The 4 A’s of Management
Avoid: Plan ahead, set boundaries, eliminate unnecessary stressors.
Alter: Communicate feelings, manage time, explain limits.
Accept: Talk it out, practice forgiveness, learn from mistakes.
Adapt: Reframe thoughts, adjust expectations, focus on positives.
Breathing Reset
Box: Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4.
Balloon: Deep belly inhale, slow exhale.
Counted: Inhale 5, hold 3, exhale 5.
Home Routines
Consistent meal & bed times
Calming screen-free habits
Daily family movement
5-minute daily check-ins
Coping Menu
Active
Walk, yoga, sports
Creative
Journal, music, draw
Calming
Read, nature, quiet
Effort Over Perfection
Praise effort, celebrate small wins, normalize mistakes, and use affirmation statements like "I am doing my best."
Recognizing Stress
Physical
Headaches, stomachaches, sleep/appetite changes.
Emotional
Irritability, mood swings, withdrawal, tearfulness.
Behavioral
Avoiding school, declining grades, loss of interest.
Talking to Your Child
Ask open-ended questions
Listen without judgment
Validate feelings
Avoid over-reassuring
Model calm coping aloud!
Contact Our Team
Ms. Taylor: ktaylor@compton.k12.ca.us
Ms. Funderburk: cfunderburk@compton.k12.ca.us
Ms. Ray: gray@compton.k12.ca.us
Growing Together Full Presentation Growing Together
Supporting the Well-being of You and Your Teenager
Compton Unified School District
Why We Are Here
48% of parents say stress is "completely overwhelming."Parental stress is a 2024 public health concern .
1 in 5 children face mental health conditions.
Your well-being directly helps your child thrive.
What is Stress?
Helpful Stress
Motivates us to perform better, meet deadlines, and grow.
Unhelpful Stress
Becomes overwhelming, ongoing, and interferes with daily life.
Listening to the signals
Physical
Headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep.
Emotional
Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, withdrawal, or tearfulness.
Behavioral
Avoiding school, declining grades, or loss of interest in activities.
"Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges."
Facing the Challenges
Common for Parents
• Financial strain (school costs, instability)
• Time demands (schedules, homework)
• Children’s safety & health (social media)
• Work-life balance (juggling duties)
• Parental isolation (lack of support)
Common for Children
• Academic pressures (tests, grades, overload)
• Social challenges (bullying, fitting in)
• Overscheduling (too many activities)
• Family changes (divorce, moving)
• Technology & social media pressures
The 4 A’s Framework
Avoid
Plan ahead, set boundaries, and eliminate unnecessary stressors.
Alter
Communicate feelings, manage time better, and explain your limits.
Accept
Talk it out, practice forgiveness, and learn from mistakes.
Adapt
Adjust expectations, reframe negative thoughts, and focus on positives.
The 1-Minute Reset
Box Breathing
Inhale 4 counts, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4. Repeat.
Balloon Breaths
Inhale deeply to “fill the balloon” in your belly, then slowly exhale.
Counted Breath
Breathe in for 5 counts, hold 3, breathe out for 5.
Self-Care for You
Growing Together Final Presentation Growing Together
Supporting the Well-being of You and Your Teenager
Compton Unified School District
Why We Are Here
Parental well-being is the foundation for family success.
48% of parents feel stress is "completely overwhelming."Parental stress is a major public health concern .
Your well-being directly helps your child thrive.
Stress Defined
Helpful Stress
Motivates us to perform better and grow.
Unhelpful Stress
Becomes overwhelming and interferes with life.
Listening to the signals
Physical
Headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep.
Emotional
Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, withdrawal, or tearfulness.
Behavioral
Avoiding school, declining grades, or loss of interest in activities.
"Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges."
Facing the Challenges
Common for Parents
• Time demands (schedules, homework)
• Children’s safety & health (social media)
• Work-life balance (juggling duties)
• Parental isolation (lack of support)
Common for Children
• Academic pressures (tests, grades, overload)
• Social challenges (bullying, fitting in)
• Overscheduling (too many activities)
• Family changes (divorce, moving)
• Technology & social media pressures
The 4 A’s Framework
Avoid
Plan ahead, set boundaries, and eliminate unnecessary stressors.
Alter
Communicate feelings, manage time better, and explain your limits.
Accept
Talk it out, practice forgiveness, and learn from mistakes.
Adapt
Adjust expectations, reframe negative thoughts, and focus on positives.
The 1-Minute Reset
Box Breathing
Inhale 4 counts, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4. Repeat.
Resets the nervous system in seconds.
Balloon Breaths
Inhale deeply to “fill the balloon” in your belly, then slowly exhale.
Great for grounding during a busy day.
Counted Breath
Breathe in for 5 counts, hold 3, breathe out for 5 counts.
Family Wellness Final Handout Guía Creciendo Juntos
Distrito Escolar Unificado de Compton
Recurso de Apoyo para Padres
Taller 2026
Entendiendo el Estrés
Por qué es importante:
El bienestar de los padres está directamente relacionado con la salud mental de los hijos. El 48% de los padres reportan un estrés abrumador. ¡CUSD está aquí para apoyarle!
Útil vs. No Útil
Útil: Motiva y hace crecer. No útil: Continuo e interfiere.
Las 4 A de la Gestión
Alejar (Avoid): Planifique con antelación, ponga límites, elimine factores estresantes innecesarios.
Alterar (Alter): Comunique sentimientos, gestione el tiempo, explique sus límites.
Aceptar (Accept): Hable de ello, practique el perdón, aprenda de los errores.
Adaptar (Adapt): Replanteé sus pensamientos, ajuste expectativas, enfóquese en lo positivo.
Reinicio Respiratorio
En caja: Inhale 4, mantenga 4, exhale 4, mantenga 4.
Globo: Inhalación abdominal profunda, exhalación lenta.
Contada: Inhale 5, mantenga 3, exhale 5.
Rutinas en el Hogar
Horarios constantes de comida y sueño
Hábitos calmantes sin pantallas
Movimiento familiar diario
Charlas de control de 5 minutos diarios
Menú de Afrontamiento
Activo
Caminar, yoga, deportes
Creativo
Diario, música, dibujo
Calmante
Leer, naturaleza, silencio
Esfuerzo sobre Perfección
Elogie el esfuerzo, celebre las pequeñas victorias, normalice los errores y use afirmaciones como "Estoy haciendo lo mejor que puedo".
Reconociendo el Estrés
Físico
Dolores de cabeza, dolores de estómago, cambios en el sueño/apetito.
Emocional
Irritabilidad, cambios de humor, aislamiento, llanto.
Conductual
Evitar la escuela, bajas calificaciones, pérdida de interés.
Apoyo a la Salud Mental
Si su hijo necesita apoyo adicional, visite al secretario de su escuela para solicitar una remisión de salud mental.
Contacte a Nuestro Equipo
Ms. Taylor: ktaylor@compton.k12.ca.us
Ms. Funderburk:
Growing Together Final Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide
Growing Together Workshop
Compton Unified School District
Finalized Instruction Guide
Workshop Philosophy
This workshop focuses on support, not pressure . We acknowledge the heavy lifting parents do every day. Our goal is to provide practical, calming tools that fit into a busy household.
Key Facilitation Notes:
Tone: Keep it warm and collaborative. Use "we" and "our" often.Sensitivity: We do not mention financial strain as an explicit stressor to avoid adding weight to an existing reality; we focus on time and emotional demands.Resources: Explicitly mention that mental health referrals are made through the school site secretary.
Pacing
Intro & Why10m
Signals10m
The 4 A's10m
1-Min Reset10m
Connection15m
Resources5m
Slide-by-Slide Notes
Slide 2: The Heart of the Home
"Use the cleaned-up layout to highlight the 48% statistic. Emphasize that parents are the foundation of the home."
Slide 4: Facing the Challenges
"Focus on time demands and safety. Avoid any discussion of finances. Keep the focus on what can be managed within the home environment."
Slide 6: The 1-Minute Reset
"Lead the group in one of the breathing exercises. Physical practice during the workshop makes it more likely they will use it at home."
Slide 9: When to Seek Help
"End this slide by highlighting the new CUSD support text. Ensure parents feel that the district is a partner, not a judge."
Slide 10: Helpful Resources
"Clearly explain the referral process: visit the school secretary. Direct them to the contact info for Ms. Taylor, Ms. Funderburk, and Ms. Ray for specific team support."
Compton Unified School District • 2026 • Growing Together
Growing Together Final Presentation Creciendo Juntos
Apoyando su bienestar y el de su adolescente
Distrito Escolar Unificado de Compton
¿Por qué estamos aquí?
Los estudiantes sanos comienzan con familias apoyadas.
Casi 1 de cada 5 niños en edad escolar enfrentará desafíos emocionales o de comportamiento.El 48% de los padres siente que el estrés es "completamente abrumador".
Su bienestar es el cimiento del éxito de su hijo.
Definición de Estrés
Estrés Útil
Nos motiva a rendir mejor y a crecer.
Estrés Perjudicial
Se vuelve abrumador e interfiere con la vida diaria.
Escuchando las señales
Físicas
Dolores de cabeza, dolores de estómago, fatiga, cambios en el apetito o el sueño.
Emocionales
Irritabilidad, cambios de humor, ansiedad, retraimiento o ganas de llorar.
Conductuales
Evitar la escuela, disminución de las calificaciones o pérdida de interés en las actividades.
"El estrés es la respuesta natural del cuerpo ante los desafíos".
Enfrentando los desafíos
Común para los Padres
• Demandas de tiempo (horarios, tareas)
• Seguridad y salud de los hijos (redes sociales)
• Equilibrio vida-trabajo (malabarismo de deberes)
• Aislamiento parental (falta de apoyo)
Común para los Hijos
• Presiones académicas (exámenes, notas, sobrecarga)
• Desafíos sociales (acoso, encajar)
• Exceso de actividades (demasiados compromisos)
• Cambios familiares (divorcio, mudanza)
• Presiones de la tecnología y redes sociales
El Marco de las 4 A (E-A-A-A)
Evitar (Avoid)
Planifique con anticipación, establezca límites y elimine estresores innecesarios.
Alterar (Alter)
Comunique sus sentimientos, gestione mejor el tiempo y explique sus límites.
Aceptar (Accept)
Hable de ello, practique el perdón y aprenda de los errores.
Adaptar (Adapt)
Ajuste las expectativas, reformule los pensamientos negativos y enfóquese en lo positivo.
El Reinicio de 1 Minuto
Respiración Cuadrada
Inhale en 4 tiempos, retenga 4, exhale 4, retenga 4. Repita.
Reinicia el sistema nervioso en segundos.
