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Vision: Bully Prevention in our schools

Here we are at the beginning of the new year and like many individuals we shall reflect on the year and what sort of goals we would like to reach this year.  For many it will be dealing with health, family, vacations, or business.  I have talked before about one of my own goals in the community and that is, dealing with the subject of bullying for students in school.

Our word of the month in January is VISION and having a vision of what you want to accomplish and what it will look like when it is done is a major step in reaching your goal.  So what does this vision look like?

I see students learning specifically what is a bully, how to use their words to deflect bullying, and I see students teaching younger students about the same.  I also see our website as a wealth of information for teachers and parents and what they can do to intervene when these situations come up.  I will be sharing resources that will educate and encourage all of us to meet this head on.

Can you picture in your mind our students having the courage to stand up to those that would pick on others or those that exclude others.  It is a mindset that we can set the example for and help our students see the value in practicing.  Our students can be heroes in their own school by stepping up to this challenge.

Our success in this goal, in our vision, is tied to our community working together.   We know WHY we want to do this, it is for the safe education of our children and now we must work on the HOW by developing specific actions and deadlines.  If you are interested in helping with defining this in our community please feel free to talk to me about this goal.   If your child has ever been bullied you understand the importance of this goal.

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5050 pushups on Saturday

Teamwork

On Saturday January 1, 2011 a group of 18 students from the 9-12 year old and adult classes came to the studio for a New Years Day workout and great start to the new year.   Every 10 minutes all of us dropped down and did a set of push ups.  We had a total of 5050 push ups at the end of the day.  In addition we also practiced our forms, and got some sparring in too.  It was a great time, so thanks to Mark, Jeff, Kevin, Claire, Jake R., Wills, Connor, Ryan, Niklas, Caitlin, Katie, Jake V., Kelly, Michael, and Scott for coming out early that morning and getting your year off to a great start.

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Vision: Definition

Each month we define and discuss a word of character development with all of our students.

This month the word is Vision and will be defined this way.

Young students: Vision means: I can see my goals!  (in my imagination)

Older students: Vision means to clearly imagine my goals as if I’ve already achieved them.

Here are the worksheets for our students:

Vision Tiger Tot worksheet Vision 5/6 worksheet Vision 7-12 worksheet Vision Adult / Teens worksheet

If you would like to see how we will deal with this subject with our students please follow our discussions here during the month of January or come in and try a class.

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3 keys to communication in the family

When I talk to our students about Teamwork I point out to them that the most important team that we are on is our FAMILY.  No other team needs the cooperation and vision that our family needs for long term success of all members.  Of course the leaders of that team is Mom & Dad.  While every team leader has different responsibilities, there are a couple of foundational standards that are true for all teams and especially families.

1.  Be consistent. Whether it is setting the rules, the making of decisions or in keeping our word, consistency is one standard that team members depend on.

2.  Be clear. Set forth what the values, morals and ethics are for your family.  Setting these expectations make it clear to all what is expected and it is much easier to follow a leader with clear expectations.

3.  Be courteous. By showing respect for everyone in your family, even the child that is giving you the hardest time at that moment, as a leader you are setting the tone for the family.  Everyone in the family is watching to see how you will deal with the member of your team that is not following the rules, determining for themselves how they will be treated.  Trust and respect can be gained or lost based on our being courteous to one another.

Teams / Families always reflect their leaders.  As the leader of our team / family we set the tone for respect being shown to each other and to those on the outside.   By setting the example with consistent, clear, and courteous communication with our team, the team will be more willing to participate and voice their thoughts and feelings, which in the end is what all parents want to have with their children.

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2011: What are you excited about?

Drawing to the end of the year is a time that we reflect on the year behind and on the one yet to come.   As you look forward to the year ahead, what are you looking forward to?  What is it that you are excited about?  What are you wanting to learn about?

When you make it a goal to always be learning and to expanding you are constantly recharging your batteries.  There is an excitement about getting up in the morning to get on to the next discovery.  Tony Robbins suggests that when we get up in the morning that we ask ourselves What am I most happy, excited, proud and grateful about today.  This starts the day off in an optimistic mood.   If we start our years, months and days like that, everyday will be a day of personal growth.

I have found that as I grow, it brings improvement not only to myself, but also to those who might be in my circle of influence.  As many of you already know I am working to have an affect on the subject of bullying this year.  In particular interest that I want to learn more about is the subject of relational aggression.  Known as RA in the group of individuals studying bullies and in particular among females this is one of those under the radar ways of bullying that has very long term affect on the lives and personalities of our young girls and women.  That is one of the areas that I want to improve my knowledge and understanding.

What about yourself?  Are you interested in that subject or what is it that you want to grow in this year?  What areas are you encouraging your children to grow?  Leave your comments here or send me an email and let me know.

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Goal setting: Fall down 7, Get up 8

One of the most difficult parenting challenges we have is seeing our child fail at a task that we know that they really want to achieve.  In fact many parents have a tendency to do everything in their power to not allow their child fail – at almost anything.  We have discussed before how important it is for children to learn that failure is part of life and that we can reorganize and try again.  I am reminded of Thomas Edison, who after his factory burned to the ground said something to the affect of, that now they could get started on some new and better ideas.

This is a good time of the year as we look at what we have done this year and see the areas of our own failure to reach a goal to evaluate how we will react.  Our own reaction will teach our children how to reevaluate and move forward.  Take a look at this acronym and use it as a guide to moving forward.

F – finalize your goal

O – order your plans

R – risk failing by taking action

W – welcome mistakes

A – advance based on your character

R – reevaluate your progress continually

D – develop new strategies to succeed

If you stay determined, and are willing to get up when you have been knocked down, you will achieve not only your goals but also your dreams.