For the month of June we are looking at the core value of Safety and the character strength of self-regulation.
I've some notes below discussing these which can be used for the Morning Meeting. Hopefully they'll be of help.
Kind regards
The Wellbeing Team
The Superpower of Self-Control: Keeping Ourselves and Others Safe
Imagine you have a superpower. It’s not flying or super strength, but it’s just as amazing. It’s called self-control, and it helps you manage your feelings and actions. 1 It’s like being the captain of your own ship! Why is self-control important? Because it helps keep you and everyone around you safe.
Think about it like this:
Scenario 1: The Excited Puppy
Imagine you get a new puppy! You’re SO excited! You want to hug it tight and play with it all day. But if you squeeze it too hard, you might accidentally hurt it. Self-control helps you remember to be gentle, even when you’re super excited. That keeps the puppy safe!
Scenario 3: The Playground Push
You’re playing tag, and you’re about to tag someone. You’re running really fast! But if you don’t slow down, you might accidentally push them too hard and they could fall and get hurt. Self-control helps you remember to tag gently and keep everyone safe from bumps and bruises.
So, how do you use your superpower of self-control?
Here are some tips:
- Deep breaths: When you feel big feelings like anger, excitement, or frustration, try taking a few slow, deep breaths. It’s like giving your brain a little break to think.
- Counting: If you feel like you’re about to do something you might regret, try counting to ten. This gives you time to calm down and make a good choice.
- Talking: Tell a grown-up or a friend how you’re feeling. Sometimes just talking about it can help you feel better and make better choices.
- Thinking before you act: Before you do something, ask yourself: “Is this a safe choice? Will this hurt anyone’s body or feelings?”
Different Ages, Same Superpower:
- For younger kids (4-7): Think about using simple examples like sharing toys, waiting your turn, and using gentle hands. Focus on concrete actions and immediate consequences.
- For older kids (8-12): You can talk about more complex situations, like dealing with peer pressure, managing frustration with schoolwork, and using technology safely. You can also discuss the long-term benefits of self-control, like building strong friendships and achieving goals.
Remember, everyone has this superpower inside them. It takes practice to get better at using it, but every time you try, you’re making yourself and the world around you a safer and happier place. You are becoming a Super Safety Hero!