August 17, 2019

Quote of the Week

"Do things for people, not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are." - Harold S. Kushner

How To Be A Kindness Role Model For Your Kids

"At its essence, kindness means having concern for others and being able to show that concern through our thoughts and actions. Just like for adults, kindness is very important for kids’ social connections and well-being.

One recent study with nine to eleven year olds underscored these benefits. The researchers found that children who performed acts of kindness on a regular basis, in addition to seeing positive changes in their academic experience, were more socially accepted by their peers. What’s perhaps more surprising is how their engaging in acts of kindness also ended up benefiting their entire community: These children tended to be more inclusive and less likely to bully others as teenagers." [read more]

Reading Corner

Title: 50 Ways To Feel Happy: Fun activities and ideas to build your happiness skills

By: Vanessa King, Val Payne, Peter Harper

Ages: 8-12

"What can you do to help yourself (and others) feel happier? This book is packed full of activities and ideas to try with family, friends and on your own. So, whether you feel happy right now and want to stay that way or you need some ideas to help you feel happier, this book is for you.

A cheerful, fun, inspiring, and varied collection of projects for creative, happy and thinking individuals. The book includes a mixture of step-by-step projects and shorter activity ideas that encompass happiness-inspiring crafts, mindfulness, relaxation, and positivity techniques, and fun ways to get active and boost happiness outdoors. Children can either read through the book from start to finish or dip in and out as the mood takes them. What's more, these activities are great to repeat time and again as a child builds their happiness skills and incorporates techniques into their daily life. For younger children, parents and carers may wish to work through the book with them, offering guidance and support, whereas more confident readers, 'tweens', and young teens will be able to enjoy engaging with the book independently." - Publishers

Be the Change

Based on the many ideas from the book, try making compliment flash cards with your child this week. Receiving a simple card that says "You Rock", itself can bring such a big smile on anyone's faces. Pass those around to people whom you may know or whom you may not know. Talk to your child about the experience after and what it may have brought up for him or her in the process. Need more inspiration? Here's some more ideas on the possibilities of making it a fun experiment as a family.