I wanted to share some of the things that I learned at the National Convention. We had many great workshops that helped me think about how to be a better parent. I will just write some highlights. If you ‘d like to learn more, I’d love to talk to you about what I learned.
1- We learned about the more prevalent, dangerous practice of cyberbullying. It has become a right of passage for teens who now use technology to bully and pick on their peers. It has led to murders and suicides of teens. Monitor your children’s computer use. Teach them to report back to you if they are bullied (name calling, shunned by peers, impersonation on line) online. Go to www.isafe.org for more information on how you can help your children.
2- A great program for communities is available for those who are battling the meth addiction in their communites. There is a documentary that has been shown on all prime-time stations in cities aroudn the country. If you get the whole community and media invovled, it is very powerful. Involve community’s mental health resources afterwards to answer calls from those who need health. Check out www.crystaldarkness.com for more information.
3- We learned about Peer Mediation from Phil Johnson, from the Oklahoma State Supreme Court. He taught us about a conflict mediation program that he teaches to children in schools across the country. The 5 stages of mediation are 1- Introduction, 2- Telling the Story 3- Put yourself in the other person’s position 4- Problem Solving 5- Writing Agreement. He calls this program “PROS”- Peaceful Resolutions for Oklahoma Students.
4- I really liked the workshop on teaching children character and values. There is a program called “Character First” that was presented to us. I have been thinking about what I learned and trying to implement it in my home. You catch children doing good, and praise them. Instead of praising them for what they are doing, or a general “Good job”, you praise them with a specific character quality. This teaches them important qualities that we want them to learn. SOme of the qualities are: obedience, initiative, generosity, joyfulness, responsibiltiy, diligence, availability, thouroughness, organization, gentleness, patience. Their website has a whole list of these.
This week, I have been working on getting my 4 year old to stop sucking her thumb. When she isn’t sucking her thumb, I say ” Thank you for showing self-control by not sucking your thumb. That means rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right. This will help you learn to be in control at different times in your life. I am so proud of you”. Of course, I try to say this in a way my 4-year old can understand. This is an example.
Danielle,
Thanks for your report. I loved your report of the convention. Last year at women’s conference . . . or was it 2007? I learned something lifechanging. It was from Terry Ball, a professor of ancient scripture at BYU. He talked about character building as well. He recommended “catching” children being good, and saying, “You are like Nephi, you are being courageous and standing up for what is right.” Or, you are like Esther, doing something that is hard, but important.” Things like that. For a while, I was really good at it, and I really needed a reminder (like your note on the blog!) to remind me to do it again! Thanks!
After 4 days of trying to do this kind of praising, I overheard my daughter praise her Grandpa for being “obedient”. : >