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Conversations with Kids – Ask For Their Take

Conversations with Kids – Ask For Their Take

by | Jan 5, 2018 | Authenticity

If your house is anything like mine, you probably get a pretty good dose of the daily trials and tribulations of being a child through your child’s eyes.  As your child observes the world around them, help them to establish the values that they want to live by through asking them regularly for their take on situations.  The more they articulate their values, the easier it will be to match their actions to those values, a hallmark of authenticity.

Here is an example:  When my daughter comes home and tells me about a fight at school that involved her friends talking behind each other’s backs, I ask her how she might have dealt with the situation?  What does she think would the best way be to deal with a friend that you are frustrated, annoyed or fighting with?   It may seem simple, but getting your child to articulate the principles they value helps to keep them front of mind when they are faced with a similar dilemma. To preserve authenticity, try not to coach them on the “right” responses but help them develop their values over time through conversation.

We are most authentic when our values match our actions so reflecting on core beliefs and principles is a great place to start the conversation.

Featured image by Brandon Day on Unsplash.

Kicking Off 2018 with Authenticity!

Kicking Off 2018 with Authenticity!

by | Jan 2, 2018 | Authenticity

Happy New Year from the Umbrella Project!

We want to start the new year by expressing how truly grateful we are for all of you: the parents, caregivers, educators and friends who work with us to build the umbrella of wellbeing skills that children need to embrace a life with all kinds of weather.

We couldn’t make these positive changes in childhood wellbeing without you. Thank you for sharing this project with your children and the people around you.

To kick off 2018, we want to start with an exciting skill – one that will help your kids feel proud of who they are and embrace their unique and powerful gifts this year. That skill is AUTHENTICITY.

What is Authenticity?

Authenticity is the ability to be our genuine selves, staying true to our values and beliefs even under pressure, while still adapting to the world around us. Authenticity comes from having actions that match the words we say and not trying to be someone else to impress others. It’s very difficult to feel unconditionally loved and accepted without this critical skill.

Research shows that authenticity helps kids stand up for what they think is right, which reduces bullying and social stress. As parents, we can do a lot this year to work against the concerning trends in childhood mental health just by helping kids embrace and feel confident in their true selves.

With increased authenticity also comes increased self-confidence and trustworthiness, characteristics that will help your children create strong and lasting friendships which we know to be critical to their long-term wellbeing.

Check in often this month for tips and tools that will help you identify and build this great skill in your children!

Put a Good Joke Book on Your Holiday List

Put a Good Joke Book on Your Holiday List

by | Dec 21, 2017 | Cognitive Flexibility

Today’s fun tip for building cognitive flexibility over the holidays is: buy a good joke book!

A few good ones to get you started:

“Why did the bacon laugh? Because the egg cracked a yolk!”
“It was a terrible summer for Humpty Dumpty, but he had a great fall!”
“Why did the scarecrow win the Nobel Prize? He was outstanding in his field.”
“Why did Waldo go to therapy? To find himself.”