Developing Friendliness -A Friendly Smile
We have all experienced the warmth of a broad friendly smile. Even if the one that is smiling at us is a total stranger, it warms our heart and makes our day easier.
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Developing Courage in Children
We have all witnessed moments of nervous hesitation in our children before taking a brave new step. Coming down a big slide for the first time, taking a piano examination and trying a new sport are all instances a child may feel great fear. At these times, don’t belittle his fear by saying “It is easy,” “No big deal,” or “Don’t be a little baby.” Instead recognize these occasions as opportunities for children to learn about courage. Courage is not the absence of fear but the quality that helps us rise above it. Once the child has overcome his fear, we can further nurture his courage by acknowledging it:“It took a lot of courage to slide down. Good for you!” Acknowledgement of a virtue helps the child realize her own strength of character and builds her self-esteem. The next time she is faced with fear, she can draw upon this inner strength to overcome her fear.
Counseling Children
Parents and teachers often find themselves in a counseling role, helping children deal with challenges or make a moral decision. While it may feel good to exercise our wisdom and give advice, it is more valuable in the long run to empower children to arrive at their own solution. The art of „Spiritual Companioning‟ described in the book Family Virtues Guide is a dynamic counseling approach which as the author, Linda Popov, puts it: “honors the child‟s ability to find his own truth in the context of virtues.” It helps
increase self esteem and improves the emotional health of the child.
Developing Compassion in Children
Compassion is that deep awareness of the suffering of others and the desire to alleviate it. Not only does a person with strength in compassion shows empathy, he has also developed the inner desire to help others. Such a person would carry out acts of
compassion that may be as simple as visiting and consoling the suffering or lending a hearing ear to someone who needs to let go of his or her negative feelings. A compassionate person is like a rock that others lean on when the going gets rough.
Clear Boundaries for the New School Year
It is perhaps necessary to re-define our understanding of boundaries in order for them to become effective tools in education. The word “boundaries” may sound like a negative, limiting term, but when used correctly, they can create opportunities for growth that would not be present otherwise.