SEL IN ACTION AT HOME
February 2022 - Optimism
February 2022 | Optimism
In this month’s SEL in Action at Home edition, we guide families and caregivers on ways to practice and build optimism at home. Remember that optimism isn't standing in the rain and saying it's not raining; it's about finding the silver lining in the clouds.
What is SEL?
Children who practice optimistic thinking are more resilient and see negative situations and events as temporary setbacks. While pessimistic kids blame themselves and believe conditions and circumstances are permanent. How can you go about raising an optimist? Below are a few suggestions that you can start practicing today!
Rose, Thorn, Bud
Pessimistic parents raise pessimistic children. Rather than grumbling exclusively about the day's thorns, why not focus on the day's roses and something you are looking forward to (rosebud)? Learn more here. (Family Dinner Project)
Wait Before Reacting
Letting your child solve challenges without your help will boost their sense of accomplishment and optimism. Kids who often feel overwhelmed or hopeless won't address a problem. But when you give them a clear formula for solving problems, they'll feel more confident in their ability to try and more optimistic about what they can do in the future. (Verywell Family)
Examine Negative Narratives
Teach your child to examine familiar negative narratives with an optimistic explanatory style. A child who fails a math test may say, "I'm bad at math." In contrast, a child with a more optimistic explanatory style may say, "I didn't study—that's why I failed the test." (Edutopia)
Share A Little Spot of Optimism by Diane Alber with your family and then explore the following Read-Aloud Questions to Spark Conversation
A well-worded question is the quickest way to connect after a long day. Get a deeper conversation started with ideas for all ages at The Family Dinner Project.
ADDITIONAL PARENT & CAREGIVER EVENTS & RESOURCES
Mindful Mondays - February 14
Family Lunch & Learn - March 9th
SEL Book Club for Parents & Caregivers - March 2022
Parenthood is a fulfilling experience but that doesn’t mean it can’t get tough sometimes. No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson guides parents and caregivers through:
- identifying their discipline philosophy
- the difference between the upstairs and downstairs brain; and
- strategies when their child has a meltdown
Interested in joining the SEL Book Club for Parents & Caregivers? Click here.