Conscious Discipline teaches us that "what we focus on, we get more of". Research also indicates that practicing gratitude helps kids to be healthier and happier, to have better social relationships, and to have stronger resilience when faced with adversity. So if we focus on the things we are grateful for, there are many benefits for children, and also for us as adults!
There are many ways to teach children about gratitude, including a family gratitude jar or having a daily "I'm thankful for..." conversation or prayer. You could also try getting the kids involved in making a Gratitude Tree like this one! Cut leaves from paper, gather twigs from outside, and use yarn or any other materials you have available. Kids may choose big things to be grateful for, like family, or little things, like candy or toys, and anything they choose is okay! Practicing gratitude is a meaningful part of the Thanksgiving holiday, but also a beneficial part of our lives throughout the year!
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I love Sesame Street (and I always have!) I also love to teach children about culture, diversity, and kindness. So for me, this is the perfect special, and a perfect opportunity for parents and children to engage in conversations about equality and kindness in our communities. I encourage families to watch this together, to discuss using the discussion guide, and to look for ways to grow kindness in your family and community!
Check out this description from the discussion guide, available on the Sesame workshop website at www.sesameworkshop.org. The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special centers on four friends: Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Gabrielle, and Gabrielle’s older cousin, Tamir. With other Sesame Street neighbors and celebrity guests, the friends explore their own identities and skin and fur colors and come to understand what it means to be color-proud—to have pride in your own culture, identity, and race. In age-appropriate ways, the friends learn what each of us can do to stand up to racism for ourselves and one another through one powerful little word: we. This wonderful special is now available on HBO Max and PBS kids. Check your local listings for dates and times, and enjoy! |
AuthorHi, I'm Brie Krentz, and I'm the School Psychologist at HGECC. I care about the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health of all of our children, and I believe in Conscious Discipline as a way to minimize behavior problems and to help children connect meaningfully with others. Archives
October 2021
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