Mrs. Bult's Wellness Wishes
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Wellness Wednesday Wishes
I am a firm believer that our true character shows when we are under pressure. Our character is defined by what we do, not what we say. Good character requires doing the right thing. Every single choice we make will either strengthen or weaken our character. What one person does or does not do matters.
For these reasons, we must all embrace our role as Character Education Educators. We, as parents and teachers, have a unique position to encourage our children to become Kids with Character. Our children are looking at how we are handling this uncertain time. What are they learning from our example?
I want my children to learn that life is full of curve balls. I want them to have the courage to stay in the box and swing for the fences. I want them to know that winning or losing is not as important as to how they played the game. I want them to know this is a TEAM and they should give their all at all times. I want them to know that what they do off the field is just as important as what they do on the field. I want them to know practice is the only way to get better. I want them to know that a good, even great, batting average is not perfect. I hope they love the game, keep playing it, and help others with their game.
In addition to cultivating good character, we must encourage social-emotional learning. Research tells us that individuals with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with challenges. Our friends at Centervention shared, "According to research funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, social and emotional competence is one of the most important predictors of success in life."
My high school business teacher often stated, "Success only comes before work in the dictionary." If we want our children to become successful and overcome challenges, we must model good character and social-emotional competencies. We must foster kindness and resiliency. Here are Five Activities of Kindness and Resilience shared by the UK Red Cross. All these pieces are needed to help our children not only survive but thrive.
In addition, here are some great Social Skills Resources For Parents from Centervention. Take a moment to check out their extensive library. As you can see from their site, they have partnered with leading youth mental health researchers, educators, and authors to provide practical approaches for dealing with modern problems.
Despite the problems of the day, I still have the power to choose my attitude. I still choose to be kind. How are you doing on the Great Kindness Challenge? If you started the challenge with me two weeks ago, today is the day to make a video or picture collage and share with someone in your family. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!
Don't worry if you have misplaced your calendar or if you are just now getting started. The 30 Days of Kindness Calendar is attached below. You can start today as kindness is never out of date!
Don't forget, I am here to help support you and your family during this time. If you need to reach me, please call (903) 537-9552 or e-mail me at lbult@mtvernonisd.net. I'll respond Monday-Friday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. Don't forget to check out my webpage, MVES Counselor Corner or Mrs. Bult's COVID-19 Resource Corner.
If you are not receiving these Wellness Wishes to your inbox, please let me know. I'll be happy to add you to my MVES Parent Mailing List.
7 Habits to Foster
- Habit 1: Habit 1: Be Proactive® You're in Charge. ...
- Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind® Have a Plan. ...
- Habit 3: Put First Things First® Work First, Then Play. ...
- Habit 4: Think Win-Win® ...
- Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood® ...
- Habit 6: Synergize® ...
- Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw®
Many libraries offer a copy of this eBook for checkout or you can purchase a copy online. Below, I share chapter one which includes the first habit, be proactive.
This chapter is all about helping Sammy Squirrel realize he has the power to choose his actions, attitudes and mood. He is "bored, bored, bored." He wants someone, anyone, to solve his problem and come up with something fun for him to do. Sammy learns how accepting responsibility and taking charge helps him not only find something fun to do but spread kindness along the way.
Join me as I share the story of Sammy Squirrel.