Formando Vidas SEL

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  • Grandparents–Priceless!

    Grandparents–Priceless!

    Grandparents–Priceless!

    ”Surely, two of the most satisfying experiences in life must be those of being a grandchild or a grandparent.” –Donald A Norberg

    I have had the incredible blessing of being a well-loved grandchild, and I have had the pure joy of being a grandmother.  Both bring a smile to my face from ear to ear and memories that no one can take away.  My sisters and I relive times spent on the farm with our grandparents through our conversation almost every time we get together. My grandparents taught us new things, played with us, valued our new songs and skills, and let us do things we weren’t allowed to do at home. What memories do you have?  What lessons and new adventures did you experience with your grandparents? What value to your life do you attribute to that relationship?  Now that I’ve had a few years experiencing being a grandma, I’m trying to carry on the legacy that I so richly received by making the moments count with my grandchildren.  I strive to create those memories they will talk about for years to come.  You can too—make those precious moments count!

    Today, we celebrate Grandparents!  If you’re fortunate to have one or more living grandparents, let them know of your love for them in a special way—phone call, note or card, visit, etc. Think of a list of questions to ask to know more about their childhood such as –Who were your friends?; What were the trends in clothes?; Can you tell me about your siblings?  A grandparent loves sharing this information with you and they are thrilled you are interested.  You will, no doubt, hear some funny facts that will teach you another side of that grandparent that you never knew.  If you have faced the loss of your grandparents, take the time today to go down memory lane and share a great memory with a friend.

    “Grandparents are warm hugs and sweet memories.  They remember all of your accomplishments and forget all your mistakes.” –Unknown–

    We can’t underestimate the value our grandparents bring to our lives.  Celebrate them!

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  • Go Ahead, Make Me Laugh!

    Go Ahead, Make Me Laugh!

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    Go Ahead, Make Me Laugh!

     

    Laughter releases outwardly the expression of your soul, lifts your spirit, and gives life and healing energy to your body. The Bible says in Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”

    What makes you laugh? Is it the giggle of a small child? The punch line of a good joke? A dry sense of humor? Maybe even laughing at yourself or everyday life mishaps?

    Did you ever stop to consider what happens when you laugh? Stress hormones decrease; immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies increase improving resistance to disease. It truly is good medicine.

    Laughter is like an electric current that runs through our nervous system. It creates great physical responses. Both hemispheres of the brain are activated–the left side decodes the words and the more creative right hemisphere understands the humor. Our emotional system then releases endorphins (natural feel-good chemicals) that improve our mood and promote happiness. Our abs and facial muscles can even benefit from a good laugh impacting our health.

    Laughter is the social mechanism by which we make friends and connect with others. The next time, you run into an old friend who says “we need to get together”, do it! Send them a couple choices of dates and places then meet—make it happen! You will no doubt laugh together and leave having experienced all these benefits to your body, soul and spirit.

     

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  • Create Kind Kids

    Create Kind Kids

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    Create Kind Kids

     

     

    In Disney’s live action film, “Cinderella”, Cinderella’s mother says to her “have courage and be kind.” Parents, in a world where social media is forefront and judging others seems to be the norm, I challenge you to teach your children to be kind. Don’t make the false assumption that they will learn it from their peers. On the flipside, raise kind kids and they will have a positive influence on their peer group for we know that kindness is contagious.

    Webster defines the word kind as “of a sympathetic or helpful nature”. Another dictionary defines kindness as “the quality of being warmhearted and considerate.” Here are some ways to begin to teach your children to be kind.

    Model kindness. The lesson of kindness your children will remember most is what they see you do. If you want kind kids, be kind. Practice it daily in front of your little ones who are watching your every move.

    Take a walk in others’ shoes. Teach your children to think about what others are going through—why are they sad or mad; what might be going on in their family. Also ask them how they would feel and how they would want to be treated in those circumstances. If your child can consider that there might be a reason for their friend’s behavior, they will be more sympathetic towards them and more apt to offer kindness. Volunteering is also a great way to teach kids about walking in others’ shoes.

    Positive words of encouragement. Teach your kids to speak words that build up and not words that tear down. Teach them that you can always find something nice to say. For example, if they think a friend’s painting is not great, they can tell them they like the colors they chose. Choosing kind words will encourage those around them to also be positive and to withhold judgmental comments.

    Teach manners. Saying “please” and “thank you”; looking at someone when spoken to; showing respect to others; writing thank you notes or letters; table manners, etc. These things will mold your child to be pleasant individuals.

    Avoid overindulgence. Even if you have the means to spoil your children, make the choice not to overdo it. Teach them to be grateful for the things they have and to share their blessings with others. Also teach contentment. Overindulgence only leaves children not satisfied and always wanting more—self-centeredness and stinginess.

    Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17. Mark Twain said “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Be creative and think of doing something for someone who cannot return the favor to you. Involve your kids in this plan. You and your kids will be blessed just as much as the recipient of the kindness—maybe more!

     

     

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  • Domestic Violence and Children

    Domestic Violence and Children

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    Domestic Violence and Children

     

     

    Children are innocent victims of domestic violence in the home. Many children suffer direct abuse from one or both parents or a caregiver. Other children witness violent behavior between parents, whether physical or emotional, on a day-in and day-out basis. The children are the ones who believe lies that they are either the cause of the violence or that they could have stopped the domestic abuse. They suffer without a voice, and the results play out in tell-tale symptoms. The observant and perceptive teacher, caregiver, or grandparent would be wise to assist the child with getting help.

    Some of the symptoms that follow instances of domestic violence according to American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry are: anxiety & fear, depression, sleep problems including nightmares and bedwetting, aggression, anger, changes in appetite. These symptoms then escalate in adolescents with drug abuse, skipping school, declining grades, and social withdrawal.

    Children of domestic violence tell themselves lies as a result of what they experience. Childhood Domestic Violence Association (CDV) includes a list of the lies children begin to believe with truths they should believe. For instance, the child feels ”worthless” because they feel unimportant, not good enough, a failure. The truth being “accomplished” because they realize what they had to overcome and few other obstacles compare. Another example, “unloved” where the child feels unloved and incapable of giving love. The truth being “loved” because making others feel cared for, appreciated, and important makes them feel the same. For a complete list of these lies with corresponding truths click here.

    Hope Rising SEL is an advocate for children. Our program not only provides tools which address some of these above-mentioned behaviors, but also provides a platform that gives children a safe space to share. Children are our future. When a child is misbehaving, most likely the child is not “bad”, but the truth is they may be “crying out” to get help.

     

     

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  • STOMP Out Bullying

    STOMP Out Bullying

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    STOMP Out Bullying

     

     

    Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines bullying as this: abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful; the behavior of a bully. Bullies come in many different categories such as physical, verbal, sexual, and prejudicial. In each of these, the bully has a different style and various tactics of intimidation and control. Some are outright mean; however, some are sly and cunning—harder to detect until after they have done much damage.

    With the increase in social media, the internet and technology, a more prevalent form of bullying today is known as cyberbullying. This type is when a tween or teen uses the Internet, a Smartphone, or other technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. The cyberbully cowardly uses the screen to say things they don’t have courage to say face-to-face. They know that they can anonymously attack their targets with smaller chances of getting caught.

    Parents, please take steps in stopping a child if they are the perpetrator (the bully or cyberbully). Also, watch for signs that your child is the target of such bullying.

     

    Here are a few signs that your child may be a bully:

     

    • Positive views towards violence
    • Often aggressive towards parents, teachers and other adults
    • A need to control and dominate others and situations
    • Hot tempered, impulsive and easily frustrates
    • Often tests limits and breaks rules
    • Shows little sympathy towards others who are bullied

     

    Here are a few signs that your child is being bullied:

     

    • Child comes home with torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books or belongings
    • Has unexplained cuts, bruises and scratches
    • as few, if any friends with whom he or she spends time
    • Seems afraid of going to school or taking part in organized activities with peers
    • Has lost interest in school work or suddenly begins to do poorly in school
    • Appears sad, moody, teary, or depressed when he or she comes home
    • Has trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams
    • Experiences a loss of appetite
    • Appears anxious and suffers from low self-esteem

    If you suspect your child is either the perpetrator or the victim, talk to them to find out more. If necessary, get help from school counselors or professionals who have experience working with kids regarding bullying.

    The following website contains more great information regarding this subject.

    https://www.stompoutbullying.org/world-day-bullying-prevention

    The effects of bullying are heartbreaking and in severe cases, they are deadly. Let’s be aware and proactive to STOMP out bullying. We can be a part of the solution!

     

     

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