kids

‘Odd Girl Out’ tackles bullying in the digital age

609
13 years
by in building self-esteem in girls, bullying, cyberbullying, Facebook, friends, internet, kids, online, Parenting

‘Odd Girl Out’ tackles bullying in the digital age.

Rachel Simmons did a great interview this morning on the Today Show, talking about girls & cyberbullying.  Always great to hear from her…always frightening to think about the parenting perils ahead of me, raising two daughters.

3 Ways to Help Your Daughter Understand & Withstand Media Influences

1290
13 years
by in assertiveness, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, bullying, internet, kids, media messages, online, Parenting

Messages embedded in song lyrics, video imagery, and advertising influence the ways girls think about themselves and their relationships with others. You can help your daughters–and other young girls–become aware of media messages that violate values and degrade girls, using these engaging conversations and activities: (more…)

How to Cope with Mean Girls

703
13 years
by in assertiveness, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, bullying, kids, Parenting

In my little neck of the woods, we are all a-buzz with thoughts and wishes about the postcards scheduled to be mailed from our local elementary school tomorrow, letting us know who our kids’ teachers will be for the coming school year.  While I have hopes for a specific teacher with a reputation for inspiring creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, what I am really wishing for most is that my daughter’s class be filled with nice kids.

The little voice inside my head nags that that expectation is too high.  We are approaching the third grade year–girls are getting meaner.  I hate to say it.  I don’t want to give in to stereotypes.  But I know it to be true.  The bullying that “peaks in middle school” according to statistics, grows very strong roots in elementary school. (more…)

What Teachers & Counselors are Saying about Life Space Crisis Intervention Training

918
13 years
by in kids, Life Space Crisis Intervention

Check out www.lsci.org to see video footage of “what Trainers are saying about LSCI.”  Many thanks to the Pressley Ridge Trainers and Jimmy Dowd for helping us create this special online feature!

5 Ways to Talk with Your Daughter About Technology, from Rachel Simmons

488
13 years
by in assertiveness, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, bullying, cyberbullying, Facebook, internet, kids, media messages, Parenting

In her newly revised and updated  book, Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls, author Rachel Simmons suggests five conversation starters for parents to use to get their daughters to open up about social media use.  “Opening lines” and areas ripe for discussion include:

1.  What’s your favorite thing to do online or on your phone?

2. Would your friendships be better or worse without technology? Easier or harder? (more…)

5 Steps for Keeping Your Cool and Understanding What’s Really Bugging Your Kid

867
13 years
by in anger, Being a Mom, kids, Life Space Crisis Intervention, Parenting

Last weekend, my daughter, her best friend, and I had a full day’s worth of activity and adventure, enjoying thrill rides at a local Summer Carnival, eating cotton candy, throwing darts at a balloon board for prizes, and following it all up with a late afternoon movie. It was Girl Time at its best!

Which is why I was totally blown away when, after dropping off her friend, my daughter’s answer to my innocent inquiry of, “So, what should we do for dinner?” was met with a raging, “Nothing! Can we just go home already! I think we’ve bonded enough for one day.” (more…)

Backhanded Compliments and Sugarcoated Hostility: How to Recognize the 10 Common Passive Aggressive Phrases

581
13 years
by in anger, angry smile, assertiveness, family members, husbands, husbands and wives, intentional inefficiency, kids, Levels of passive aggression, marital conflict, Parenting, passive aggression, passive aggression in families, passive aggression in relationships

Is there someone in your life who consistently makes you feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster? Do you know a person who is friendly one day but sulks and withdraws the next? Does a family member or friend consistently procrastinate, postpone, stall, and shut down any emotionally-laden conversations? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, chances are you may be interacting with a passive aggressive person. (more…)

“May I Please?” and “No Can Do:” Guidelines for Kids on Making and Refusing Requests Assertively

1152
13 years
by in assertiveness, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, kids, Parenting

Do you know a child who is a little on the timid side when it comes to asking for what he needs? Does the word “pushover” come to mind when you think of how he is treated by his friends? While most kids are unreservedly bold in making and refusing requests from parents and siblings, it is quite common for youth to have difficulty asserting themselves with non-family members. Adults can help kids develop skills to assert important needs and refuse unreasonable requests by teaching fundamental assertiveness skills. (more…)

What’s in a Friend? A Brainstorming Exercise for Kids

505
13 years
by in anger, assertiveness, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, bullying, friends, kids, Parenting

One of the most important things in the world for a child is to have friends. In childhood, friends are a source of fun, learning, and support. Some friendships, however, can be dangerous and destructive. Does your child know how to tell the difference between a friend and a “frenemy?” (more…)

How to Be Angry: An Assertive Anger Expression Group Guide for Kids and Teens

669
13 years
by in anger, assertiveness, Being a Mom, building self-esteem in girls, bullying, kids, Parenting, passive aggression, passive aggression by children, passive aggression in families, passive aggressive behavior in families, relational aggression

Best. Mail Delivery. Ever.

Just got home to find copies of my new book, How to Be Angry: An Assertive Anger Expression Group Guide for Kids and Teens, on my front porch.  Please check it out here or at amazon.com. 

I wrote it specifically for professionals and parents to help kids learn that having angry feelings does not make you bad; it makes you human.  Learning how to effectively cope with and express those feelings in ways that enhance–rather than damage–relationships is the key.

How to Be Angry is packed with discussion-starters, games, and kid-friendly activites to help young people learn how to express their anger in assertive, relationship-building ways.  It features two chapters on standing up to bullies, as well as tips on disagreeing without arguing, making and refusing requests, and responding to others’ anger.

I hope you enjoy it…check back and let me know what you think!

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Signe Whitson is an author and educator on bullying, crisis intervention, and child and adolescent emotional and behavioral health. In her articles, books, and training workshops, Signe provides down-to-earth, practical advice for professionals and parents on navigating the daily challenges of living and working with children, tweens and teens.

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