âInfo for Parents
Parents Gratitude
This week would be a good time for
some GRATITUDE!
GRATITUDE IS A GREAT TOOL FOR GETTING THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES.
Remembering all the things we do have helps us when we get
worried about what we donât have. It can be really calming to stop and think
about the positive things in our lives.
Try
writing down or saying 3 things every day that you are grateful for. Some people start the day with 3 things they
are grateful for, others talk about it at the dinner table. Other people write
down what they are thankful for in a journal or draw a picture or think about
it before they go to sleep. Whatever way you do it⌠try this week and see how focusing
on Gratitude can help you feel happier and more positive about your day.
Parents: read about the benefits of Gratitude for you and your
child.
(click on the tab at the left - Stuff for Parents)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5lZBjWDR_c
Why Practice Gratitude?
Studies have shown there are many physical, social and psychological benefits of gratitude. Here are some of the top research-based reasons for cultivating a regular gratitude practice:
- Gratitude increases happiness, life satisfaction and boosts feelings of optimism.
- Gratitude reduces anxiety and depression.
- Gratitude strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure and reduces symptoms of illness.
- Grateful people sleep better.
- Gratitude makes us more resilient.
- Gratitude strengthens relationships.
- Gratitude promotes forgiveness.
- Grateful people are more helpful, altruistic and compassionate.
- Gratitude makes for healthier, happier kids.
- Gratitude benefits schools, resulting in both happier students and teachers.
Based on the scientific literature gratitude can be seen as an experience that has four parts:
- What we NOTICE in our lives for which we can be grateful
- How we THINK about why we have been given those things
- How we FEEL about the things we have been given
- What we DO to express appreciation in turn
So try this week to focus on noticing things that you are grateful for and see if it helps you create a more positive outlook on your day to day life. Things have been difficult for all of us and this is a great way to have a great day.
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To help get the schoolwork done âŚ.Check Out:
The benefits of words of encouragement
⢠Boosts a childâs self esteem
⢠Helps children to believe in themselves
⢠Motivates kids to try harder
⢠Lessens struggles to get them to finish schoolwork
How to encourage kids with words
1. Focus on effort, not talent when using words of encouragement
Encouragement is what you say during a race, praise is what you say at the end.
2. Be specific in the encouraging phrases you choose to use.
Rather than saying âGreat job, I love it., you could say something like, âWow you used a lot of colours, that was so creativeâ or youâll get it next time.
3. Use words of encouragement, but avoid overpraising
Words of encouragement are about encouraging a child to do well. They are not just about praising a child, or telling them they are a âgood boyâ. Telling a child they are smart too often may have a negative effect. The child may not think he has to try anymore, because they are just âso smartâ.
Words of encouragement when your child is struggling
- All you can do is try your best
- I am so glad you asked for help
- I believe in you
- Nobody is perfect, and that is ok
- You can learn from your mistakes
- If you keep trying it will help you succeed
- Believe in yourself, you can do it
- Take a break and come back to it
- Mistakes are proof that you are trying
- Tell me about what you are doing
- Your ideas are so creative
- I can see that you are trying so hard
- I can see that you are working so hard on this
- You just donât know how to do it YET
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Hi everyone
Its been a crazy time as we head to the end of the 2nd week back to school.
Lots of parents are reporting that it has been very stressful especially trying to figure out how they are going to help their children get schoolwork done.
TIP # 1 Relax and be kind to yourselfâŚlook after yourselfâŚ
You need to find little bits of time to look after yourself so that you can look after your family. As they say on a plane "put your own oxygen mask on first and âŚthen help others".
Remember this is all new and you're not expected to figure everything out in a week. It's going to take time.
TIP #2 Try setting a time and place for learning and a little routine
It could look like: get up, eat breakfast and then to the kitchen table for schoolwork. Maybe start with just 3 days a week. Include your children in the decision making around this as much as possible. Maybe they want to work sitting on the floor in the living room. Try it see how it goes. Maybe each child has a different day.
TIP #3 Start Small but set the expectation that some school work will get done
Start with short amounts of time spent on schoolwork. Ask your child if they want it to work for 2 minutes, 5 minutes or 10, or 20? This gives them some control and will lessen some of the push back they may give your about not wanting to do it at all. They can decide the amount of time but NOT doing anything is not an option. To start aim for 10 to 20 minutes on teacher assigned stuff and then have a break.
Set the timer on your phone and when it buzzes âŚ. stop and have a break. A break can just be running around the house for 5 minutes or doing 20 jumping jacks. If your child wants to keep going then great âŚ.set the timer again. If you can't easily convince them to continue, then don't. It's more about establishing a routine and expectations and not about getting lots of schoolwork done.
TIP#4 Don't push too hard especially over the first few weeks
Let everyone get used to the idea of working at home. If your child is really having trouble adjusting, then keep the amount of time spent on schoolwork short and increase it over time. You don't want to hurt your relationship and have learning become something negative.
Good Luck Everyone
Parenting Support
Click on the link below:
7 tips talking to kids COVID.pdf
