Mrs. Bult's Wellness Wishes
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Wellness Wednesday Wishes
Ever heard of the word grit? Think just a moment of someone you know who has grit. What does grit mean to you? How can we raise gritty children?
Several years ago in a NBC Education Summit, Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, Angela Duckworth, Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, David Brooks, New York Times Columnist and Paul Tough, Author of How Children Succeed discussed real success. They concluded it does not always correspond to intelligence. They indicated real success requires hard work, determination, and self-control for ANYONE to reach their full potential. In other words, one must have grit in order to be successful.
If we are going to help our children succeed during such uncertain times, we are going to need to teach and model grit. Grit does not mean never giving up. Grit means that we pursue and keep trying things that are truly worthy. Worthy tasks deserve persistence and perseverance. They require effort, hard work and time. But there are tasks that might not be worthy right now. Children need help and guidance to know when they need grit and when it may be a time to quit.
An open or growth mindset is needed to establish the tenants of grit. Simply, our mindset has to do with how we face challenges. Life is full of setbacks. Failure is one of the best teachers in life. We have to help our children learn that they might not can do it YET. Yes, there is great power in that three letter word!
I can't tie my shoes. I can't solve this math problem. I can't read well. I don't have any friends. I don't like _______ (fill in the blank). Now, add the word yet to the end of each of those statements. Amazing isn't it?
Today, you can encourage your child to have an open or growth mindset. For more information about Growth Mindset, check out these resources.
Positioning Kids & Teens to Thrive: 11 Practical, Powerful Ways to Build a Growth Mindset
Top Growth Mindset Resources for Parents and Educators
We don't have all the answers, yet. Until then, I am here to help support you and your family. 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.
A Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg
The Power of Yet
Growth Mindset
GRIT
Today's Kindness Challenge
Do your part and help make our community and world a better place for everyone. When we do this we are showing kindness. We are helping to lighten the load of others. Come on sprinkle kindness like confetti and you don't have to clean up any messes!
Below is the 30 Days of Kindness calendar if you need another copy. Don't worry if you are just now starting the challenge. Just start it! Take the 30 Days of Kindness Challenge and see what you can do to make this world a better place.