T.S. Eliot noted that in a world of fugitives, the person headed in the right
direction will appear to be running away. If you follow spiritual values rather than the culture’s, you may appear out
of step to others. Are you willing to risk ridicule for the reward of being real?
Teachers and Parents: Check out our "manners library" (below) These "good
manners" lessons are for children 5-8. Here is what one teacher wrote:
On Apr 8, 2008, sbca1stgradefrogs@yahoo.com wrote:
Thanks for the shaking hands lesson plans. I found your site this morning and used it in my class during Bible
and the kids absolutely loved it. Do you have any more lesson plans about manners available?
Mrs. D. Stuart 1st Grade Teacher Second Baptist Christian Academy
Parents give their children good character traits by giving 2 great gifts; roots to grow, and
wings to fly. The dandelion has both.
Another great gift one can give to their child or teen is a Hero - someone to pattern their life by,
someone to inspire them ...someone who overcomes obstacles and has values.
SELF ESTEEM - 15 ways to help children like themselves
1. Reward children. Give praise, recognition, a special privilege or increased responsibility for
a job well done. Emphasize the good things they do, not the bad.
2. Take their ideas, emotions and feelings seriously. Don't belittle them by saying "You'll grow
out of it" or "It's not as bad as you think."
3. Define limits and rules clearly, and enforce them. But do allow leeway for your children within
these limits.
4. Be a good role model. Let your children know that you feel good about yourself. Also let them
see too that you can make mistakes and learn from them.
5. Teach your children how to deal with time and money. Help them spend time wisely and budget
their money carefully.
6. Have reasonable expectations for your children. Help them to set reachable goals so they can
achieve success.
7. Help your children develop tolerance toward those with different values, backgrounds and norms.
Point out other people's strengths.
8. Give your children responsibility. They will feel useful, and valued.
9. Be available. Give support when children need it.
10. Show them that what they do is important to you. Talk with them about their activities and
interests. Go to their games, parent's day at school, drama presentations, awards ceremonies.
11. Express your values, but go beyond "do this" or "I want you to do that." Describe the experiences
that determined your values, the decisions you made to accept certain beliefs, the reasons behind your feelings.
12. Spend time together. Share favorite activities.
13. Discuss problems without placing blame or commenting on a child's character. If children know
that there is a problem but don't feel attacked, they are more likely to help look for a solution.
14. Use phrases that build self esteem, such as "Thank you for helping" or "That was an excellent
idea!" Avoid phrases that hurt self esteem "Why are you so stupid?";"How many times have I told you?"
15. Show how much you care about them. Hug them. Tell them they are terrific and that you love
them.
Source: National PTA
Activities & Tx pages sponsored by compuTR and maintained by Charles Dixon If reprinting ideas from this page, please give credit.
A Mother is someone who has eyes in
the back of her head, ears that can hear a child's faintest whisper, and a heart that's open 24 hours a day.
The Place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands....Robert M.
Pirsig, American writer, 1928
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate
with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong; because someday in life you will have
been all of these....George Washington Carver, American educator, botanist (1864-1943)
You must be the change you see in the world..Mohandas K Gandhi, Indian political and
spiritual leader, 1869-1948
Are your teens prepared for middle school this fall? Do you know if they are apprehensive about such
issues as peer pressure and bullying? Let us help you prepare them for school and help you discuss these dramatic issues.
Our book, Character Keys to a Bright Future, can open up discussions in a
natural way. Your teen can definitely identify with these teen-agers in our stories while he/she learns good character traits.
Just click About Our Book for more details.
