Giving Children Choices Part Three
When I was raising my two boys, I was learning about giving choices. One winter's day, we took a walk in Washington Crossing State Park. It was here I decided to practice my new skill.
"OK, guys, we can take this trail or that trail. What's your choice?"
"Do you want to rest now, or shall we keep going?"
In the last blog post, I talked about how giving children choices gives them some sense of power and control in their lives. Remember, children all day long are being told what to do. By providing children small choices in their lives, they feel that they have some say or some ability to make decisions independently.
Image the daily life of a child.
"Elijah, you need to get up for school now.”
“Elijah, you need to brush your teeth now!”
“Elijah, stop yelling at your sister and get down here.”
“Elijah, do you have your bookbag? Where is your homework?”
“Elijah, you need to hurry, or you will miss the bus."
When Elijah gets to school, it starts again.
"No running on the playground!”
“Put your pencils away now.”
“No talking in the hallway."
If you are looking for a quick mental health boost, researchers recommend getting outside. They have shown that just being outside can help people feel more mentally healthy. It feels that science has caught up with what people already know: how many times have you, when you felt upset, just wanted to “get some fresh air.” Well, it turns out that it works.
There’s an intrinsic desire in all of us to be part of something bigger than ourselves. One of the best ways to do that is to be a volunteer. Growing up, service was seamlessly integrated into my life by my parents. Being of service to others and involved in my community, are core values that I’m lucky were passed down on both sides of my family.
Have you heard the news? Healthcare is more affordable than before! Center For Family Services’ Navigators are here to help.
You might have heard in the news that 'healthcare insurance is more affordable than before! But what's that mean for you?
The statistics are staggering.
Nearly 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men in the U.S. have experienced sexual assault or attempted sexual assault some time in their lives. While the effects of sexual violence are far reaching, many times taking hold of entire communities, it is the survivor who carries the trauma of their experience. Fortunately, they have options and services available to lead them on a path toward healing.
It starts with one. It starts with you. You can be the one to change a life. A child right here in your community is in need of support and a safe place to live. You can be the one to provide help and change a life.
