Antibullying – Turning Cautious Kids into Courageous Helpers

10 Child Sayings
 
Self-Talk Influences Thoughts, Feelings,
and Behaviors

Bully prevention by playground kids takes bravery and positive thinking. This blog tells you how. You will find 3 discussion dilemmas and a gift of 10 positive slogans to help your child choose right over wrong. Your right-minded kid could become a playground hero.

Parents tell kids, “Don’t slump! Straighten up!” Sagging shoulders with head down look sad, weak and are targets for bullies.

 

Sad Boy (3) 600
 
Slumped Shoulders and
Head Down = Bully
Target

 Our body’s trunk, keeps our shoulders straight. A straight body with head up looks strong and confident. Practice standing with your child. Teach your youngster to keep trunk, head, and shoulders straight.

Your Child’s Mindset

You can teach your child to strengthen her mindset by teaching right from wrong. Mindsets include thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Kids who know the difference between right and wrong and choose what’s right have strong characters. Help your child think ahead and prepare to act. Problem dilemmas like these 3 bullying situations can do just that.

The Playground Bully 

Boy Bully 745
 
Playground Bully

John is big and strong. He wants kids to know it. Joey is little. His posture looks wimpy.

  1. Is it OK for John to physically shove and punch Joey? Why?
  2. How would you feel if you were Joey?
  3. Should you and other kids stand by and let John bully Joey? Why?
  4. Would you do this or something else that helps the victim?                             
Boy Pfotecting Girl 757
 
How Would You Help a Victim?

Determine if your child’s mindset is strong. Does he choose right over wrong? Unassertive kids might say, “I don’t know” or shrug their shoulders. Their parents have work to do.

Sarcastic Bully

Sarcastic Bully 513
 
Sarcastic Bully

 Gina has a big mouth. She’s funny and sarcastic. Tammy is shy and quiet. Her shoulders slump.

  1.  Is it OK for Gina to make fun of Tammy and put her down? Why?
  2. How would you feel if you were Tammy?
  3. Would you join the other kids and laugh at Tammy?
  4. What would you do?
  5. Is there a way to help Tammy? How?
    Asian tattling 450
     
    Would You Get Help from a Teacher?

If your child is clueless, you need to work on her mindset.

The Tormenting Bully

Bully Tormentor 450
 
Lucas Wants Gail's Attention

Lucas is your friend. Lucas pesters girls by teasing, pulling hair, and tripping.

Lucas has a crush on Gail and wants her attention. Gail has long braids. Lucas yanks them. Gail shouts, “Stop it!” At other times, Lucas says, “You’re so stuck up.” Gail walks away. When Lucas tripped Gail and she fell, he laughed.

  1. How would you feel if you were Gail?
  2. What would you like to tell Lucas?
  3. Would you keep him for a friend?
  4. Would you help Gail? How?
Black Boy Non-Bully SMALL
 
Would You Yell, "Lucas, Stop!"

 

Your child’s answers tell you a lot. Does he know the difference between right and wrong? Do you need to guide his mindset?

How to Teach Right and Wrong - 3 Keys

These three ways will help you coach your child:

  1. Ask him about his feelings regarding a troubling situation. Does he feel for the victim or the bully?
  2. Question his thinking about the bullying. 
  3. Probe about his behaviors. Would he help the bully or the victim?

Empathic kids with right-minded thoughts will rescue victims.

Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are the three elements that create a weak or solid character. If your child chooses what is right, his/her mindset is solid.

If not, use friendly discussions by asking questions, listening well, and giving your opinion last. Don’t force your ideas, just express them. Otherwise, your child may rebel.

I invite you to use the above 3 discussion dilemmas.

Here are the 10 self-talk sayings to help your child deal with bully situations. You can also teach your child to make their own self-talk sayings.

Indian Boy Powerpt.
 
10 Free Slogans to Discuss with Your
Kids
Insert gift code
 SLOGANS and download your gift.

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Jean Tracy

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The Tattletale Tightrope: How to Teach Kids Social Awareness – Puzzle Time


The Tattletale Window to Social Awareness

Girl awed 450

Tattletale Begone! Social Awareness Flow In

Social awareness is like opening a window to let empathy and understanding flow in. It helps your child see the bigger picture and connect with others. Today, we’ll open the tattletale window by:

  1. Discussing a common dilemma.
  2. Help your child’s mind become more socially aware with questions.
  3. Help them see the bigger picture about tattling.
  4. Solve two puzzles.
  5. Encourage them to connect with others without becoming a tattletale.

Family Talking
Dinner Dilemma Discussions

 

Understanding Why Kids Tattle: Kids tattle for a few reasons:

  1. Children want to do the right thing. They want others to do the right thing too. When they see something wrong, they may feel compelled to tattle.
  2. Children may want to feel important, so they tattle to gain attention.
  3. Children may want revenge, so they tattle to get someone in trouble.

Kids may lack the experience to know when not to tattle. It's essential for kids to learn when to inform an adult, which is not tattling. The right word for this is 'Telling.' Telling is about helping others, such as when:

  • Someone falls and is bleeding.
  • Someone's crying because Rover (the dog) is lost.
  • Someone needs help with a heavy chore.

A Common School Dilemma: Imagine a situation where a classmate, Penny, is constantly tattling. Your teacher reacts to Penny’s behavior. Discuss this with your child and encourage them to role-play different scenarios.

A Girl with Hand UP 1000
 
Tattletale Girl

 

Role-play the Big Tattletale Dilemma:

  1. "Role-play being the teacher and Penny. Pick out a family member to be the teacher and someone to be Penny. What will they say? How will they show your teacher's feelings? Take turns role-playing. Exaggeration and laughter are welcome.

Mom or Teacher 1000
 
Penny kept interrupting her teacher.

 

2. Discuss your family's opinions about the role-play and tattling:

Ask each member each question.

  1. How do you think teachers feel about tattletales?
  2. How do you think Penny felt?
  3. Do you like kids to tattle? Why?
  4. Is telling a teacher someone fell on the playground and is bleeding being a tattletale? Why?
  5. What’s the difference between tattling and telling?

This dilemma could encourage your child to think beyond themselves and develop social awareness.

PUZZLE TIME

Quiz for Kids about Tattling: Let's see what you've learned about tattling!

1. When might a child want to tattle?

  1. When they want to help someone.
  2. When they want to feel important.
  3. When they want revenge.
  4. All the above.

2. What is the difference between tattling and telling?

  1. Tattling is always a good thing.
  2. Telling is when you want to get someone in trouble.
  3. Telling is informing an adult to help someone while tattling is trying to get someone in trouble.
  4. Tattling and telling are the same thing.

3. Is telling a teacher about someone who fell on the playground and is bleeding being a tattletale? a. Yes, b. No

Remember, it's essential to choose the option that best fits the situation and promotes kindness and understanding!

Answers: 1. b, c 2. c 3. No

Dear puzzle enthusiasts,

In today's special edition of "The Tattletale Tightrope," we have a fun and challenging puzzle for you! Solving this puzzle will not only be a great brain exercise but also a lesson in family teamwork and kindness. Are you ready? Let's dive in!

Puzzle Instructions: GS Strategy SMALL 450

  1. Below, you'll find a series of scrambled words related to kindness and positive actions. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden words.
  2. Once you unscramble each word, write it down.

Scrambled Words:

  1. SKINSNED
  2. LELPHFU
  3. GODO
  4. GAINRC
  5. YAFRINLE

Use Your Brainpower and Think:

Once you've unscrambled all the words, think about what each of the words means and how you can incorporate these actions into your daily life to spread kindness and create a better world. Discuss it with your family and share your ideas!

Remember, kindness begins with YOU. Let's work together to make the world a better, kinder place.

Happy puzzling and spreading kindness!

Unscrambled Words:

  1. KINDNESS
  2. HELPFUL
  3. GOOD
  4. CARING
  5. FRIENDLY

Well done! Keep practicing kindness and spreading positivity wherever you go.

Watch this short video to learn an important tip about turning tattletales into kind siblings! 

Best Tip for Tattletales

Remember, the power of these discussions lies in the connections you'll create the values you'll reinforce, and the growth you'll inspire. So, let's come together and embrace the magic of dilemma discussions. Get ready for captivating conversations and endless opportunities to nurture your family values!

 

Ready to embark on this values-driven adventure? Grab your Dilemma Discussion Kit today. It's your golden key for nurturing strong family bonds and shaping the character of your loved ones.

(Note: The provided link will direct you to our website where you can access the Dilemma Discussion Kit. Happy discussing!)

 

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With warm wishes,

Jean Tracy

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AI assisted.


Unplug and Connect: Rediscover the Magic of Family Time!

Dilemma Discussion Kit!

Asian Family Listening 1000
How Family Meals Bring Togetherness

Hi, parents! Imagine this: you gather around the dinner table, a warm and inviting space where the world outside fades away. No screens, no distractions—just you and your loved ones, ready to create lasting memories together. Sounds ideal, right? Well, guess what? You can make it a reality!

We are introducing the transformative power of unplugging and connecting as a family. It's time to put those pesky cell phones in their place and rediscover the joy of genuine human connection. Here's how you can make it happen:

Step 1: The Cell Phone Solution: Take charge of your family time by designating a cell phone-free zone during meals. It's a simple yet powerful act that sets the stage for meaningful interactions and undivided attention.

Listen cell free zone 1000
 
Unplug and connect!

 

Step 2: Teach the Art of Listening: In this fast-paced digital age, listening has become a lost art. But fear not, because you have the power to change that! Guide your children toward becoming attentive listeners with these three simple prompts:

Prompt #1: Let them learn the value of patience. Avoid interrupting the speaker. Please encourage them to wait their turn, listen, and give everyone a chance to express themselves fully.

Prompt #2: Foster the power of eye contact. Show your kids the importance of locking eyes with the person speaking, showing that their words truly matter.


Listening Family 1003

Listening 70% - Speaking 30% is Key

 

Prompt #3: Cultivate curiosity by asking questions. Inspire your kids to ask thoughtful and engaging questions to show their genuine interest in what a member is saying.

Step 3: Sharpen Your Listening Skills: As parents, we must lead by example. Here are three tips to enhance your listening skillset 
:

Tip #1: Time management is key. Set a time limit for each speaker to ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences. Two minutes per person is a sweet spot.

 

Timer Tomato 1000
 
Use a Timer

 

Tip #2: Embrace inclusivity. Create an environment where every voice is heard. Encourage open discussions and provide a platform for everyone to express themselves, regardless of age or status.

Tip #3: Confirm and understand. Repeat what the speaker said in your own words. This shows that you were actively listening. It also helps avoid misinterpretations and results in deeper understanding.

Now, let's spice up those family conversations with some open-ended chats! These thought-provoking topics will ignite engaging discussions and bring you closer together:

Topic 1: The best thing that happened in school today. Celebrate achievements, big or small, and share moments of pride and joy.

Black Boy Thinking
 
Share the Best Thing in School Today

 

Topic 2: Lessons learned from mistakes. Embrace the power of sharing weakness and growth by discussing mistakes and the valuable insights gained from them.

Topic 3: Unraveling the qualities of a good friend. Explore the attributes that make friendships special and discuss the importance of kindness, loyalty, and support.

Dilemma Discussions: Nurturing Family Values

Dear readers! Today, let's dive into an exciting and engaging way to teach and reinforce those oh-so-important family values: dilemma discussions. It's like a mini adventure where you explore topics like bullying, cheating, lying, gossiping, making friends, and good manners, all while strengthening the bond within your family. So, let's get started on this journey of nurturing values together!

To spark those meaningful conversations, I've got three delightful dilemma discussion examples for you: 

Bullying sibling 1000
 
Discuss Sibling Teasing

 

Example 1: Sibling Teasing: Pretend your twin brother has a knack for teasing and pulling your hair. Ouch, right? But here's the challenge: can you come up with a positive way to react to his teasing? It's an opportunity to explore empathy, assertiveness, and finding constructive solutions within the family.

Example 2: Homework Honesty: Imagine this, your best friend sneaks a peek at your homework and copies your answers. Uh-oh! How would you respond to this sticky situation? This dilemma discussion opens the door to exploring integrity, honesty, and the importance of standing up for what's right, even when it's challenging.

Example 3: Truth and Consequences: Meet Karen, your friend who fibbed to her mom about going to your house but ended up at the mall instead. Now her mom is calling you to find out Karen's whereabouts. What will you say? This scenario prompts discussions about honesty, trust, and the consequences of our actions.

Our exclusive Dilemma Discussion Kit can take your discussions to the next level. It's packed with 41 more captivating conversations to ignite thought-provoking discussions and help you delve deeper into your family values.

Listen Family 1009
 
Family Discussions Create Togetherness

 

Remember, the power of these discussions lies in the connections you'll create, the values you'll reinforce, and the growth you'll inspire. So, let's come together and embrace the magic of dilemma discussions. Get ready for captivating conversations and endless opportunities to nurture your family values!

 

Ready to embark on this values-driven adventure? Grab your Dilemma Discussion Kit today by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/2t83e253. It's your golden key for nurturing strong family bonds and shaping the character of your loved ones.

(Note: The provided link will direct you to our website where you can access the Dilemma Discussion Kit. Happy discussing!)

 

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Thank you so much.

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Jean Tracy

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How Parents Raise Honest Children

Guilt 780
 
The Truth Sets Kids Free

 

Who can you trust? Who's telling the truth? Today the truth is hard to know.

You want your child to be honest, but how? 

First, go back to your childhood. Remember a time when you told a lie and felt guilty. Were you plagued by regret and fear? Did you worry that you'd be found out and get punished?

Lies can torment your child too.

I remember those feelings. I didn't know how to face up to what I'd done. This article will help you teach your child how to tell the truth and avoid guilt.

You CAN Help Your Child Choose Truth Over Guilt.

Today's article shares:

  • 8 painful results from lying
  • 7 positive effects for being truthful
  • 6 honesty strategies
  • 5 moral dilemmas to discuss
  • 10 self-talk rhymes to repeat

Feel free to choose the ones that are most helpful.

 

 

Boy discussing honest with mom 700x467
 
You Can Help Your Child Choose Honesty.

 

Your Parenting Tips Are Here:

Arrow curved down

The Honest Child - 35 Parenting Tips Teach Truthfulness

 

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Thank you so much.

With warm wishes, 

Jean Tracy, MSS

******

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Stop the Tattling! 6 Positive Parenting Solutions - 7 Helpful Examples

Frustrated Mom 893
 
You Can't Plug Your Ears to Tattletales.

 

Frustrated parents dread tattling. The squeals from crying kids disturb peace, upset nerves, and demand attention.

You can’t plug your ears and hope it will go away. You must act. But how?

Today’s Slide Share Offers You:

  • The best question to ask tattlers
  • 6 tips parents can easily use
  • 7 examples that teach kids the difference between tattling and telling

What Tattletale Kids Need to Know:

  1. The purpose of tattling is to get someone in trouble.
  2. The purpose of telling is to help someone in trouble.
  3. Parents don't like tattling. They do like telling.
  4. Kids can solve problems with the right assertiveness tools from parents. See video below.

How Parents Teach Kids The Difference Between Tattling and Telling:

You can give them discussion dilemmas and ask, “Is this tattling or telling?” Here are a few you can use right now.

 

Boy Student
 
Is This Tattling or Telling?

 

  1. Logan’s not playing fair.
  2. Harper got stung by a bee.
  3. Mia’s making fun of me.
  4. Aiden tore up my homework.
  5. Sofia called me a name.
  6. Luke was hit by a rock.
  7. Zoey’s mocking me.
  8. Jack called me a liar.
  9. Sam stole money from grandma’s purse.

Discuss each situation. Find out how your child thinks. If he is wrong, tell him, “I need to know when someone is hurt, in danger, needs help, or did something serious like stealing.”

“But if it’s a squabble between you and the other person, do your best to solve it. Then come and tell me how you did it. I’d like to hear your solution."

You don’t have to plug your ears. You do need to act because your children need to learn the difference between tattling and telling. They need to learn how to solve their tattling problems too.

Your Tattling Slide Share Tips:

For the 6 parenting tips and 7 new examples of tattling or telling go to Stop The Tattling - 6 Positive Parenting Solutions The pictures will help your child decide. 

 

 

Frustrated Mom SlideShare
 
You CAN Stop the Tattling!

 

 

You might also like this video because it give kids tools for solving their squabbles:

How Parents Teach Assertiveness Skills to Kids

 

 

To refresh the 7 tips for listening to your child's solutions:

These 7 Tips Turn Tattletales into Problem-Solvers

 

Listening 800 H
 
Listen to Your Child's Solutions. It's Rewarding!

 

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With warm wishes, 

Jean Tracy, MSS

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Open-Minded Kids – How Parents Open Closed Minds

Brain
 
Broad-Minded Parents Help Kids Think Outside the Box.

 

It’s easier to unlock kid’s brains when parents are open to new ideas.

Today, we’ll look at 3 traps for close-minded parents and 3 advantages for being an open parent. We’ll also share 2 examples from your children’s lives that you can use immediately. They'll help your kids open their minds. At the end you'll find a new SlideShare with 7 open-minded discussion questions. I hope you'll use them with your children.

Narrow-Minded Parents Fall into 3 Traps When They:

  1. Stop listening they end up turning their kids off.
  2. Judge their children harshly when they don't agree.
  3. Demand their kids think the same way they do.

When kids aren’t heard, feel judged, and experience mind control, they can:

  1. Feel resentment toward parents.
  2. Plug their ears.
  3. Keep their real thoughts to themselves.

3 Advantages of Open-Minded Parents

  1. They listen well which gives their children the attention and respect they want.
  2. They receive respect from kids who may open their ears in return.
  3. They find out what their kids really think and can better guide them.

How to Solve 2 Childhood Problems with Open Minds

 

Yawning Boy 800
 
Many Kids Engage in Bedtime Battles.

 

When parents are open to hearing their youngsters ideas, kids can look at bedtime decisions with fresh eyes.

Ask: “Should kids have the same bedtime on weekends as school nights?”

  1. Let them share all their opinions, even if you don’t like them. Just listen.
  2. Ask them to list all the reasons for the opposite side. Just listen.
  3. Tell them to blend the best of both sides so both of you can accept them.
  4. Now it’s your turn to share your opinions and the opposite side. Then blend the best of both.
  5. Search for a compromise with your child. Take all the time you need.

Suggest you both try the new solution for a couple of weeks.

Signs that you both still need to compromise may be:

  1. Your student doesn’t get up on time.
  2. Your child yawns from tiredness at school and home.
  3. Your child is cranky during the day because he’s tired.

Remember, when children get to participate in the rules, they are more likely to follow them.

 

Chores 800
 
Does Your Child Like Responsibilities?

 

Responsibilities restrict freedom. Yet to have a freedom, there is a matching responsibility. Here are some to consider:

  1. Freedom to watch TV or play video games could mean completing homework first.
  2. Freedom to eat a snack could mean cleaning the mess afterward.
  3. Freedom to own a dog means feeding her and taking her for walks.

Discuss with your youngster more freedoms with related responsibilities.

Ask: “Is it important for kids to have responsibilities?”

  1. Listen well as your child shares both pro and con ideas.
  2. Ask questions that help your child think more deeply.
  3. Give your ideas when your student is finished.
  4. Ask, “Is there is a household responsibility you’d like to discuss?” If so, use the 2-sided method we used with the bedtime discussion.
  5. Insist on respect throughtout.

Summary – How Parents Open Closed Minds

The advantages of being an open-minded parent are mutual listening, great discussions and acceptable solutions. Helping your kids see more than their point of view teaches them to become problem solvers and wise compromisers who think outside the box. Their brains won’t be chained to stubborn thinking either.

 

Smart Parents 800
 
Open-Minded Discussions Promote Broad-Minded
Children

 

Enjoy this SlideShare with additional questions for teaching open-mindedness with delightful discussions. The transcript is included. Feel free to copy it.

How Smart Parents Raise Open-Minded Kids

https://www.slideshare.net/JeanTracyMSS/how-smart-parents-raise-open-minded-kids

 

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With warm wishes, 

Jean Tracy, MSS

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Parenting - 2 Childhood Dilemmas for Teaching Kids Empathy

Boy Cheating
 
Teaching Empathy Through Dilemmas
       Can Be Done

 

Childhood dilemmas help your kids think more deeply about choices.  They can teach empathy too. 

In this post, Carter is a math whiz. But he didn't study for his test and he couldn't remember how to solve some problems. He secretly pulled out his calculator and cheated. 

Ask your child questions like:

1. Can you understand Carter's feelings? Please explain.

2. What thoughts might have helped Carter to avoid cheating?

3. Can you explain Carter's dilemma?

4. What advice would you give Carter? Why?

5. Have you ever faced a difficult dilemma where you had to make a quick choice?

6. Would you like to discuss it?

Having empathy for someone doesn't mean you agree with their behavior. Empathy can soften harsh judgments and can help the person deal with what they've done.

 

IStock_000009721676XSmall.jpg.girl.stealing.cookies
 
Understanding Others Is a Form of Empathy.
 

 

Meredith wanted to see an R rated movie, but her mother disapproved. Meredith's friends were going. So Mededith decided to take her mom's money from the cookie jar and sneak off with her friends. Her mother nabbed her in the act.

Ask your child:

1. Can you understand Meredith's feelings about seeing the movie with her friends?

2. How many solutions can you think of to help Meredith avoid stealing?

3. If Meredith's mom hadn't caught her, how might she have felt about taking the money?

4. What advice would you give Meredith?

5. Have you ever felt a strong desire to do something, but your parents disapproved?

6. If yes, can you talk about it?

Understanding others' problems can help your child forgive others when they've been wronged, enjoy a kinder heart, and accept herself when she makes her own errors in judgment.

When you chat with your child about childhood dilemmas, you teach character, understanding, and empathy for others. 

Father and Son 700
 
Kids Love to Share Their Thoughts with Parents Who
Listen.

 

When kids think through specific dilemmas, it helps them with decisions and choices because a similar problem may occur in their near future. Since they've already considered it in detail, they'll know better which choice to make.

 

Articles with Similar Helpful Content

Social Conscience: How to Use Moral Dilemmas Effectively with Kids

 

How Parents Build Character with Fun Moral Dilemmas

 

 

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How Parents Teach Children Empathy - 7 Steps

Empathy Critical 900
 
Empathy CAN Be Taught

PARENTS CAN TEACH CHILDREN EMPATHY WITH SIMPLE DISCUSSIONS. Today you and your child will find a childhood behavior to discuss, what mindsets to avoid, and 7 easy steps for teaching empathy.  Use it to help your child grow into a caring person who understands others.

Ask your youngster to analyze this situation by asking, “What don’t we know?”

Sarah gave her friend, Jane, a friendly punch. Jane yelled, “Stop it!” and hit Sarah hard.

Ask your child, "What don't we know?"

Hopefully, she answered, “We don’t know why Jane hit Sarah back so hard.”

Many kids might judge Jane and call her names. But that would put Jane on the defensive and make her mad because no one wants to be judged harshly.

Rather than being a critical judge, ask your child to think of some positive reasons why Jane may have hit Sarah. Why positive?

Usually, when someone does something, even if it’s negative,  it’s for a positive reason. We call it the ‘positive intent.’ This is because the doer, (Jane) is getting something positive out of her behavior.

Yelling girls
 
What Positive Reasons Do Kids Have for Acting Badly?

 

Here are some sample reasons:

  1. Maybe Sarah told her class a big secret about Jane's family and Jane found out. Now Jane’s breaking off the friendship.

 

  1. Maybe Sarah has given Jane too many friendly punches that have bruised her in the past. Now Jane’s showing her what it feels like to stop Sarah from punching her again.

 

  1. Maybe Jane was ridiculed by her class for a wrong answer and she thought Sarah’s friendly punch was intended to tease her for it. Jane’s hitting tells Sarah her teasing isn’t funny.

 

Who knows why Jane reacted the way she did? We’re not mind readers. Only Jane really knows. 

But stepping into Jane’s shoes and trying to see the situation from her point of view, your child is on the path to understanding and empathy.

Tell your child, “It’s hard to feel empathy for Jane or anyone else if you’re judging with a mean critical mind.”

Bigstock_Family_Problems_183002
 
Your Child CAN Switch Her Critical Judgments  to
Understanding Thoughts

 

Rather than judge, teach your child to:

  1. Switch your critical thoughts to exploring positive reasons why she did what she did.
  2. Avoid calling names or making accusations.
  3. Ask don't tell. "Why did you...? rather than, "You did it because..."
  4. Listen without judgment.
  5. Try to see her point of view.
  6. Show empathy with understanding comments like, "I can see why you felt that way."
  7. Suggest she apologize, if appropriate.

If you do, she just might follow your suggestion. All because you asked, listened and cared.

Another important point, when someone acts poorly and you understand why they did it, doesn't mean you agree with their negative behavior. It does mean you chose to understand it.

Use these steps, whenever your child tells you about another child’s negative behaviors. Your discussions will be interesting, and you’ll be teaching her to be an empathic person with an understanding character.

Watch this 2 minute video with 5 questions to help your child turn from criticism to empathy.

How Parents Teach Empathy to Kids


 

The Transcript with the 5 Questions is beneath the video at YouTube when you click Show More. 

Bonus Articles with Videos:

7 Ways to Encourage Positive Brain Power in Your Child   

The Positive Child - 18 Top Parenting Tips and Tools 

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Open-Minded Kids – How Parents Promote Skilled Thinkers

Thinking Jeans Girl 900          
           How Sophie Became an Open-Minded Thinker

OPEN-MINDED KIDS ARE SKILLED THINKERS. They learn to see more than one side of issues, problems, and discussions. They think bigger than one-sided kids.

How Sophie Opened Her Mind

I spoke with a 4th grade girl, named Sophie, (Identity concealed) who told me how she changed her mind. Her teacher asked, “Should school be year-round?” Sophie said a loud, “No!”

But the teacher told the class to study both sides. Sophie did her research. This is what she found that could happen if school was year-round:

  1. The school day would be shorter.
  2. There would be more but shorter vacations.
  3. There would be fun after-school programs.
  4. Daycare wouldn’t cost parents so much because of the after-school programs. The 3-month summer vacation would be eliminated so no need for daycare then either.
  5. Teachers wouldn’t need to waste time reviewing what the children forgot due to the summer vacations.

Sophie opened her mind to these new ideas. She decided “Yes,” school should be year-round.

Sophie had an open-minded teacher who asked open-minded questions. She taught kids to see issues from both sides. Each child was free to come up with their own conclusions.

The Difference between Open Minds and Closed Minds

Spoiled Michael
 
Close-Minded Thinkers Won't Listen to New Ideas

 

Open-minded children don’t try to win arguments. They avoid stubbornly sticking to their own viewpoint. They are willing to change their opinions with new information.

Closed-minded kids won’t listen to others’ ideas. They believe they already know what’s best.

How Parents Raise Kids with Open-Minded Discussions

 

Family Discussion SMALL
 
Sample Question: Should  Parents Make Kids Try
New Foods?

 

Be the parent who uses discussions to open your kids’ minds. Discuss topics that interest them. Get them to consider both the side they favor and the one they disagree with. When they have enough information, ask them what they favor  now and why. If you do, they'll become BIGGER thinkers.

For more parenting strategies and stories to raise your children's consciousness, read full article at: 

 9 Ways Parents Raise Open-Minded Kids

 

Talk Mom and Son 900
 
Be Sure to Praise Your Open-Minded Child

 

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Thank you so much.

With warm wishes, 

Jean Tracy, MSS

******

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Bully-Prevention: 10 Bully Slogans for Children

Bully Sign
 
  My friends won't include
 mean kids who are rude.
 


PARENTS, TEACH KIDS POSITIVE MOTTOES to repeat over and over and give your children a lifetime gift. How? Because when kids recite upbeat thoughts with repetition, those thoughts will likely come to mind when needed. Echoing good thoughts strengthens the brain paths on which they travel.

Powerful positive rhymes also reinforce those brainwaves. They are like the songs that stick in our heads. They are pleasant and can motivate us to act.

Today’s parenting gift includes 10 anti-bullying rhymes like:

  1. I won’t bully others. They’re my sisters and brothers.
  2. My friends won’t include mean kids who are rude.
  3. A bullying tongue offends everyone.
Indian Boy Talking
 
A bullying tongue offends everyone.

 

 Get all 10 of these anti-bullying verses. Ask your child to pick his favorite. Suggest he say it often, post it on the fridge, and act on it when needed.

Better yet, have an anti-bully brainstorming dinner. Write down as many rhymes as your children can think of. Ask each child to choose the one they want to repeat and post it where they will see it as a reminder.

Pick up this powerful parenting present by inserting this code word:

SLOGANS

at:  

https://www.kidsdiscuss.com/subscriber-gifts.asp

 

 

Consider adding it to a 3-hole binder to use whenever it is needed.

 

Like this post? Share it with your friends on social media.

Thank you so much.

With warm wishes, 

Jean Tracy, MSS

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  • 101 Ways to Get Your Children to Cooperate

Bully Checklist for Parents – 10 Warning Signs

Girl being bullied
 
Your Child Can Stop Bullying!

 

IF YOU’RE THE PARENT OF A CHILD BULLY OR A BULLY-FOLLOWER AND YOU WANT TO BE SURE, open today’s parenting gift. It includes 10 bullying signs.

Yes, bullying has been around since people existed. Today it is not just calling someone a name. Child bullying includes using power to control another with insults, rumors, hitting, shoving, spitting, and tripping. Bullies reject their targets and ban them from their peer groups. Their intention is to hurt the other.

5 Steps to Changing Child Bullying Behavior:

1.  Acknowledge the truth. If you decide, “Yes, my child is a bully,” you are brave to admit it.

2. Increase your bravery by asking yourself, “Is anyone in my family modeling this behavior?”

3. Ask that member to stop the negative behavior. Remind that person your child is watching.

4. Discuss together better ways to model good behaviors that express your family values.

5. Use today’s bully checklist and chat about it's 10 points with your child.

Indian Boy Thinking SMALL
 
Find Out What Your Child Really Thinks

 

  5 Bully Discussion Tips with Today’s Checklist:

1. Model respectful behavior.

 2. Ask, don’t accuse.

3. Find out what he thinks about bullying.

4. Help him see that helping is better than hurting others.

5. Work together on an anti-bullying slogan for his self-talk. Hang back so most of the slogan is from him. Why?      Because if it’s from him, he’ll be more likely to use it.


Download your parenting gift by inserting code word, BULLYING here:

 

Bully Checklist 

Even if you don't need it now, consider putting it in your parenting binder. You might need it in the future. Then nip bullying in the bud.

 

Like this post? Share it with your friends on social media.

Thank you so much.

With warm wishes, 

Jean Tracy, MSS

******

Sign up for my FREE Parenting News and receive:

  • 80 Fun Activities to Share with Your Kids
  • 101 Ways to Get Your Children to Cooperate