Envy. 

I think it's easier now than ever before to be envious of someone else. Social media gives us a quick glance into a person's life through snapshots. Unfortunately, it makes it easy for us to assume that because they are smiling in a picture that they are happy. Or that they have life so easy because it appears that they have what we do not.

When in reality, success is like an iceberg. We only see a small fraction of the amount of time and effort people put in to have what they have. There is so much more below the surface.

In school, it's especially easy for some of our kids to get frustrated when things do not go their way.  For example, that moment in school when the teacher passes back a test. You fail it but your neighbor got a 100%. Now, it may have been easy for them - maybe they did not need to study. But reality is, I'm sure they put in the time and effort to get that good grade.

I talk to my kids a lot about taking their time, doing their best and being persistent when things get tough. Teaching is not just about teaching kids their math facts or how to spell words. It's about instilling in them good work habits, a growth mindset and ....well the list could go on. 

Our job as educators is to light a fire - or at least spark a fire. Whether it keeps burning or not - that is their choice. But our job is to spark it and allow our students the opportunity to develop into more than what they thought possible. 

I am a firm believer in positive thinking. 
Therefore, I am a firm believer in creating a positive environment for kids.
The more positive you put into their life, the more they will believe in themselves.
Let's give kids positive statements to help them believe in themselves.
​Help them to be successful in all areas of life.

Now people define success many different ways. But to me, success means stepping out and trying something new. Accomplishing a goal that you set for yourself.  

For young kids, tying your shoes is a big accomplishment - but it is also very challenging. Michelle, from Full House, got extremely frustrated trying to learn.  She had given up and decided to throw all her shoes with laces out….until her uncle stopped her. They had discussion about the process of learning and how we don’t just stop – we persist! After that, her mindset shifted and she kept trying.

Have you had conversations with your kids about success?

​It's important we talk to kids about the work we put into being successful. Success doesn't happen without hard work, mistakes and - well the list is endless. If we don’t have conversations with our kids about the process of learning, they won’t know that success comes from hard work. It’s easy for anyone to see the end result of something and never think about all the work that goes into it beforehand.

To promote life long learners, we need to have those conversations and empower our kids to take risks and learn new things. It’s through the whole learning process, good and bad, that we expand our minds and grow.

Until next time,
Jackie