Tag: Empathy

“Made by Raffi”: A Story of a Kid Who’s Different

At some point, every child will experience the feeling of being different. From hobby interests to gender identity, some children will have a more intense experience of not being like the rest. And all children encounter others who are different. How will they view those contrasts? Will they be able to see the unique richness …

Happy Earth Day!

Involve kids in caring for the little patch of Earth that you encounter each day. Feed the birds and squirrels. Plant some flowers or vegetables. Escort a spider from your basement to the fresh outdoors. Show your care together. Happy Earth Day! For more, check out: Empathy, Kids and Nature  How to Raise a Wild …

Elements of a Confident Kid…Kindness

: of a sympathetic or helpful nature 1 About Kindness It is said that at the root of kindness is compassion. Compassion has to do simultaneously with how we feel about and care for ourselves and how we feel about and care for one another. When you walk into another family’s house, there is typically a …

Empathy, Kids and Nature

We must widen… “our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” – Albert Einstein “Feed the birds, Mom. Don’t forget today,” E tells me with fervor on one of the last freezing cold days of Winter while the birds chirped longingly for Spring. He heard them …

Elements of a Confident Kid… Cultural Awareness

– the beliefs, customs and arts of a particular society, group, place or time. 1 About Cultural Awareness Culture is who we are, how we act and how we communicate. It defines our membership in multiple communities whether they are professional or personal, spiritual or practical. Our families are a culture. “Michael doesn’t have to …

Spring Growth

Teachers arise from somewhere within me that is beyond me, the way the dark soil that is not the root holds the root and feeds the flower. – Mark Nepo “How old do I have to be to be a grown up?” E has asked a twice over the past few weeks. Sometimes to small people …

Elements of a Confident Kid… Negotiation

– a formal discussion between people who are trying to reach an agreement. 1 About negotiation: Children begin to develop some of the foundational skills for effective negotiation early. Typically, they are able to articulate a compelling, heart-felt argument as to why they should be the one to receive one more cookie. They are practicing …

Healthy Relationships: The Cornerstone of Gratefulness

“You have brought yummy treats! You are so nice to share. But me, I have nothing. My cupboards are bare!” Mouse squeaks, “Don’t fret. There’s enough, dear Bear. You don’t need any food, you have stories to share!” His friends hug him tight. “It will be all right!” And the bear says, “Thanks!” – Bear …

Parent-Teacher Conferences

…no school can work well for children if parents and teachers do not act in partnership on behalf of the children’s best interests. Parents have every right to understand what is happening to their children at school, and teachers have the responsibility to share that information without prejudicial judgment…. Such communication, which can only be …

The Halloween Trading Places Challenge

I’m frightened already! – Kimberly Allison, Mom and Challenge Participant At Halloween, our kids have the opportunity to select the identity they want to inhabit for one special night. Perhaps they choose to face their fears head on by becoming their own worst nightmare. Others will choose to dress as characters they admire and want …