(Elementary School Kids) by Stacy Huisman and Becky Harris Families On The Home Front In 1986 April was designated Month of the Military Child by Casper Weinberger to recognize and thank children from military families for the sacrifices they make living the military lifestyle. Purple Up is the campaign that propels activities throughout the Month of the Military Child to honor, acknowledge, and support Military Connected Youth in our schools and communities. A Military Connected Youth is a … [Read more...]
Nurture These Character Traits In Your Child To Prevent Bullying
A parent can play an important role in preventing bullying by nurturing character traits in their child. A child of character who exhibits moral character, behavior which influence one’s conduct regarding their treatment of other people, demonstrates respect, empathy, fairness, generosity, tolerance, kindness, and integrity toward other people. Remember, on your parenting journey what you say and do matter immensely, and you play a significant role in your child’s character … [Read more...]
How To Develop Cooperation In Your Child
Cooperation, a character trait connected to empathy, kindness, compassion, patience, respect, and self-control. It’s interesting how one character trait, strengthens or relies on another. Cooperation as a stand alone trait improves peer relationships, develops problem-solving skills, and builds self-confidence. In the classroom, as well as at home, a cooperative child is more prepared to learn, follows directions, and fulfills responsibilities. Here are three things to consider when developing … [Read more...]
Teaching Gratitude: Needs vs. Wants
Gratitude is a character trait that parents can nurture in their child as young as four years old and as old as - well, a parent’s job is never really done, right? One way to help children and adolescents develop gratitude is to teach them the difference between their needs and wants. When a child begins to grasp this difference, he can move towards appreciating the things he has that meet his needs and recognizing other things as extras. Fun extras or yummy extras, but not necessary for a safe, … [Read more...]
Books That Teach Tolerance
As a school counselor, I used bibliotherapy to teach character education. I found using books or stories a powerful tool to teach values and life lessons at any age. When kids relate to the message and characters in a book, learning takes place and moral lessons can be applied to their life. Using stories to develop a child of character is an effective way to connect with your child on their level and then move them forward where you want them to be. When choosing a story to teach a character … [Read more...]
Want To Teach Your Child Tolerance? Look In The Mirror.
Children are not born understanding that people are different; they learn this as they grow. As they become more aware of how and why others are different from them, they can be taught to respect these differences, or not. Tolerance is a learned character trait that helps a person accept others regardless of race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, gender identity, social orientation, ability etc. Parents are their child’s first tolerance teacher. What do your words and … [Read more...]
5-Minute Calming Exercises That Develop Emotional Control
Emotions can get pretty intense sometimes making it challenging to stay in control and make appropriate choices. To help your child develop emotional control when his feelings get the better of him, teach him calming exercises. Neuroscience has shown that the emotional responder in our brains (the amygdala) reacts to situations BEFORE the self-regulation part of our brain (the prefrontal cortex) can exert the emotional control needed for an acceptable response. When your child is getting … [Read more...]
5 Easy Ways To Teach Your Child About Self-Control
When kids melt down in the middle of a crowded store, at a barbecue with neighbors you've just met, or at home while waiting for dinner, it can be extremely frustrating. Why can't he just control himself?!? Self-control is one of the most valuable skills parents can teach to set up children for long-term success. Not to mention make your life easier on a day-to-day basis! The path to self-control begins in early childhood, develops throughout one’s life, and is highly influenced by … [Read more...]
Demonstrating Self-Control Can Lead to Healthy, Safe, and Moral Choices
Helping children learn that their decisions have consequences is an ongoing process that starts in early childhood and progresses through adolescence. Encourage your child to think through choices and help them see how the results of demonstrating self-control lead to healthy, safe, and moral consequences. Some examples: Your teenage son is starving and grabs a bag of chips and heads out of the room. Encourage him to pause, think about his choices and show some self-control. … [Read more...]
How To Teach Self-Control To Your Child
A child of character demonstrates self-control in his actions and words. Easier said than done my friends! Developing self-control is as beneficial to the child as it is to those around them. Any parent, teacher, or bystander for that matter will tell you a child who demonstrates self-control is more apt to learn, keep friends, follow rules, and be welcomed in public. The path to self-control begins in early childhood, develops throughout one’s life, and is highly influenced by nature and … [Read more...]