Course III: What Kids Can Do…
Kids often feel that they have no control, and that adults do not listen to them.
It is hard to be a kid. (Believe it or not, we remember.) No matter how old you are, it seems that someone is always telling you what to do, what to eat, what to wear, what to study, when to go to bed, and when to get up. You don’t have a say. It is frustrating.
Worst of all, you do not think people listen to you unless it is to ask what you want for dessert or for your birthday. As a parent, I know this sounds presumptuous and patronizing.
No wonder you blow up sometimes, clench your fists, and scream at your parents. You want them to listen. You want to be heard. You want them to see your side and sometimes, just sometimes, agree with you.
Even when they do, it does not always make you feel better. And that is frustrating, too.
How can you say what you are feeling if you do not have the words to describe it?
How can you explain what you want if you are not quite sure what it is? It is confusing.
Why is it that sometimes you are so happy and the next minute, you are miserable? What does it all mean? And what can you do about it?
This course is designed to help kids manage and succeed during COVID-19, and beyond.
Course III: What kids can do is use their words, listen to others, and do their part.
Kids have feelings and thoughts and need to be able to express them in a proactive and appropriate way. As children and young adults, you should know how to effectively communicate what you feel, what you want or need, what you do not like, and what you believe is the best way to solve and deal with your problems. You need to feel safe to say what you are thinking and feeling. Parents and teachers need to listen. We need to put ourselves in your place.
We parents will work hard to listen, understand, and respect your point of view. We will offer guidance, encouragement, and support. We will step back when you do not want our help, and be there to catch you if you fall. We can do our part, but you kids have to do yours because having rights means having responsibilities. We ask you to understand that being pro-active on your own behalf may sometimes means being collaborative with others.
Ten things kids can do with parents and teachers support to bring them all closer.
During this course, we will discuss ten things you kids can do to take control of your lives with parents and teachers understanding, help, and encouragement. In order to control your emotions and have a say in your own lives, the first thing kids can do is stand up for themselves. This is not permission to be rude, disrespectful, or contrary. It is an acknowledgement that kids are people, too. We will talk about how kids can have their opinions appreciated, and what they can do (at any age) to be empowered and make themselves happy.
We’ll discuss how kids and their parents and kids and their teachers can be honest with each other, really listen to each other, earn trust, de-escalate angry and emotional times, and negotiate so that everyone feels respected, valued, safe, and loved.
We will talk about how kids can have their opinions heard, appreciated, and what they can do (at any age) to be empowered, pro-active, and make themselves happy. We’ll have a conversation so that kids understand that for those times when parents and teachers have the final say, they will always be respectful, explain why, and confirm that kids always have the right to respectfully express their point of view. Finally, we’ll show that the give and take of an authentic relationship is the most comfortable, safest, and happiest place to be, where all things are possible.
I look forward to being right there with you on Zoom and, when safe, in person to listen to your stories and answer your questions. For available dates and fee contact me at merle@merleschell.com