Sharon M. Blacknall

Strong Mind, Strong Game

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 13:31:53 -0700

If you're an athlete—whether you're in high school, college, or chasing a pro dream—you know what it means to grind. You show up early. You push through soreness. You play through pain. You chase wins. And somewhere along the way, you're told: "Don't let 'em see you struggle."

But here’s the truth:
You can’t perform at your best if you’re not okay inside.

Pressure Is Real. Athletes today face a different kind of pressure than ever before. Social media highlights. Recruiting rankings. Fans in the comments. Coaches in your ear. Parents hoping you make it big. And sometimes, you put so much energy into proving yourself that you forget to check in with yourself.

Are you okay? Like, really okay?
It’s okay if the answer is “no.” In fact, it’s normal.

Mental health isn’t a “soft” topic. It’s part of being a complete athlete. Your mindset, focus, confidence, and emotional well-being are just as important as your speed, strength, and skills. And ignoring that mental side? That’s like skipping leg day every week and expecting to dunk. It doesn’t work.

Parents—This Is for You Too!

While helping children cope with the immediate aftermath of a school shooting is crucial, building long-term resilience is equally important. In addition to supporting your child, parents can play a vital role in advocating for safer schools and communities. In this final part of the series, we will explore ways to foster resilience in children and how to engage in meaningful action to drive change.

Fostering Resilience in Children

Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. While no one can fully shield children from the harsh realities of the world, parents can help them develop the skills and mindset necessary to face challenges with courage and strength.

1. Encourage Problem-Solving Skills

One of the key aspects of resilience is the ability to solve problems. Encourage your child to come up with solutions when they face difficulties, whether at school or in their personal life. Instead of solving problems for them, guide them through the process of brainstorming and weighing different options. This empowers them to feel more in control of their circumstances.

2. Promote a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort—can help children see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Encourage your child to view setbacks as part of life’s learning process. Praise their efforts rather than focusing solely on outcomes, which can reinforce their sense of capability.

3. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence

Helping children identify and manage their emotions is critical in building resilience. Teach them that it’s okay to feel scared, sad, or angry, but also show them how to regulate those emotions in a healthy way. Books, conversations, and modeling positive emotional responses can...Read More

Part 2: Helping Children Cope with Fear and Anxiety After School Shootings

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:25:50 -0700

In the aftermath of a school shooting, children often experience long-lasting fear and anxiety, even if they were not directly involved. The pervasive media coverage, social media discussions, and conversations at school can make it difficult for children to move past the event. As parents, it’s essential to help your child cope with these emotions in healthy, constructive ways.

Understanding the Root of the Fear

Fear following a traumatic event like a school shooting is natural. It stems from the loss of a child’s sense of safety and the realization that the world can sometimes be unpredictable and dangerous. While fear serves a protective function, when it becomes overwhelming, it can impede a child’s daily functioning.

For some children, fear may manifest in avoidance behaviors—they may express reluctance to go to school, avoid talking about the event, or withdraw from social interactions. Others may exhibit hypervigilance, constantly worrying about their safety or the safety of loved ones.

Strategies for Managing Anxiety

Establish Routine and Normalcy

Routine provides a sense of security and predictability, which can be incredibly comforting for children after a traumatic event. Keep regular routines for meals, bedtime, and other daily activities. While it’s important to allow time for your child to process their feelings, maintaining a sense of normalcy will help them feel more grounded.

Limit Exposure to Media

Constant exposure to news and social media content about school shootings can reinforce a child’s fear. Children may not understand that these events are rare, and frequent media coverage can make it seem like these incidents are happening all the time. Set limits on media exposure, and be mindful of what your child is consuming...Read More

Part 1: Understanding the Impact of School Shootings on Children

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:55:12 -0700

School shootings have become an alarming reality in today’s society, leaving parents in a state of heightened anxiety for their children’s safety. While the likelihood of such an event is statistically rare, the emotional and psychological impact on children, whether directly or indirectly involved, can be profound. As parents, it's crucial to understand how such traumatic events can affect children and how to approach the subject with care.

The Emotional Toll on Children

Children, depending on their age and developmental stage, will react to traumatic events differently. For young children, hearing about or witnessing a school shooting can disrupt their sense of security, leading to nightmares, regression in behavior (like bed-wetting), or clinginess. They may not have the language to express their feelings but will exhibit fear or distress through changes in behavior.

For older children and teens, the emotional responses may be more complex. They may experience anger, guilt (survivor’s guilt if they were close to the incident), anxiety, or even depression. Adolescents might also begin to question the world around them, grappling with feelings of injustice, confusion, and hopelessness.

Signs to Watch for

Parents should be vigilant for behavioral changes that might indicate that their child is struggling with trauma. Some common signs include:

Changes in sleep patterns – Children may have difficulty falling or staying asleep or experience nightmares.
Loss of interest in activities – If your child withdraws from activities they once enjoyed, it could be a sign of emotional distress.
Difficulty concentrating – Trauma can disrupt cognitive functions, making it hard for children to focus on schoolwork or conversations.
Increased...Read More

Financial Planning 101

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:36:15 -0700

Hello, money mavens!
Venturing into the world of financial planning might feel a tad overwhelming. It’s like planning a road trip: sure, there are lots of routes and destinations, but with the right map and guide, you're set for success. Let’s unravel the mystique behind financial planning and discover how to pick the best navigator - your financial advisor.
Understanding the World of Financial Planning
1. Financial Planning: What is it?
At its core, financial planning is about creating a roadmap for your money. It's determining your financial goals—whether that’s buying a home, sending your kids to college, or achieving that dream retirement—and laying out a strategy to get there.
2. Why is Financial Planning Essential?
Imagine driving without a map or GPS. You might eventually get to your destination, but you’ll likely take a few wrong turns. Similarly, without a financial plan:
- You may not save enough.
- You might miss out on lucrative investment opportunities.
- You could retire later than hoped.
3. Steps in Financial Planning:
a. Identify Your Goals: Do you want to travel the world? Start a business? Buy a house? List them down.
b. Gather Data: Understand...Read More

Guiding Little Stars: Teaching Kids About School Safety with Love and Light

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:21:21 -0700

Hey there, Supermoms!
Sending your precious little one off to school can be a big moment—filled with a mix of pride, nostalgia, and yes, a hint of worry. But fear not! Empowering your child with knowledge and confidence is the best way to ensure they shine brightly, even when they're out of your immediate orbit.
Let's venture into the wonderful world of school safety with a positive and loving approach.
1. The Buddy System: Two Stars Shine Brighter
Encourage your child to always have a buddy, especially when going to new or less familiar places in school. Whether it's visiting the restroom or heading to the playground, there's truth in the saying, "There's safety in numbers."
2. Recognize the Protectors
Introduce the idea that schools are filled with helpers—teachers, the principal, the school nurse. Let them know they can always approach these individuals if they're feeling unsure or if something bothers them.
3. Trusting their 'Gut Feeling'
Teach them to listen to their instincts. If something feels off or makes them uncomfortable, it’s okay to step back, say 'no', and find a trusted adult. Use stories or role-playing to help them understand better.
4. Code Words: Our Little...Read More

AI: The Unsung Hero that can make everyday life easier

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:15:49 -0700

Heard the term Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Think it's just tech jargon? Think again! AI is that discreet personal assistant working tirelessly behind the scenes, making little moments in your daily life smoother, more personalized, and let's just say it—a touch more magical.
What Exactly is AI?
In simple words, AI is computers trying to mimic the thinking and learning patterns of humans. But rather than imagining some distant future with robots, let's talk about how AI is giving your daily grind a glow-up right now.
AI in Your Daily Grind
Wake Up to Your Jam: Spotify noticing you're on a Taylor Swift binge and queuing up her hits for your morning alarm? All AI.
Picture-Perfect Memories: Ever noticed how your phone's camera can automatically focus on faces, or even beautify a sunset shot? AI's the genius there.
Nailing the Commute: Google Maps giving you a heads-up about that annoying construction on your way to work? AI’s looking out for you.
Cooking Like a Pro: Asked Siri how many ounces are in a cup while your hands are covered in flour? AI’s your handy sous-chef.
Online Retail Therapy: When Amazon says, “People who bought this also bought...”, AI's doing its best to be...Read More

How to Transition from being a SAHM to Corporate America with grace

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:05:20 -0700

There's no job quite as all-encompassing, emotionally rewarding, or challenging as being a stay-at-home mom (SAHM). From sleepless nights and messy playtimes to shaping young minds and managing household intricacies, it's an adventure filled with highs and lows. However, for many moms, there comes a time when the prospect of returning to the corporate world beckons. Whether driven by financial necessity, personal ambition, or a desire for social interaction, the journey from SAHM to the world of 9-to-5 can be both exciting and daunting.
1. Embrace the Emotional Journey
Recognize that it's okay to feel a whirlwind of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, guilt, or even relief—whatever you're feeling is valid. Accepting your feelings as a natural part of the transition is the first step.
2. Update and Upskill
Before you dive back into the job market:
Refresh Your Resume: Your years as a SAHM have equipped you with transferable skills. Time management, multitasking, negotiation (ever tried reasoning with a toddler?), and budgeting are all valuable in the corporate environment.
Learn and Upgrade: Consider taking courses to refresh your industry knowledge or to gain new, relevant skills. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in numerous fields.