Category: School Club Tips

Conflict is a natural part of any group activity, and school clubs are no exception. Whether it’s a disagreement over how to organize an event or differing opinions on club goals, conflicts can arise at any time. But don’t worry! Handling these conflicts well can actually strengthen your club and improve relationships between members.

In this article, we’ll discover the importance of conflict resolution, learn about various strategies to settle arguments, and discuss as well as understand how effective communication can make a huge difference. So, let’s dive in and find out how to turn these challenging moments into an opportunity for growth and collaboration in your school club!

Understanding The Nature Of Conflicts

In school clubs, conflicts can arise from a variety of sources. These conflicts often stem from differences in opinions, personalities, goals, or approaches to tasks. It’s important to recognize that conflicts aren’t inherently bad; they can signify a diverse and dynamic group.

However, the way they’re addressed and managed can make a significant difference in the club’s atmosphere and productivity.

Types Of Conflicts

Generally, conflicts in school clubs fall into a few categories:

• Interpersonal: These occur between individual members due to personal differences, communication styles, or conflicting interests.
• Task: These arise over how to accomplish a specific goal or task, often due to differing viewpoints on the best approach.
• Process: These are about the logistics and delegation of responsibilities within the club, like who does what and when.
• Value: These involve deeper issues such as differing beliefs, ethics, or values that can influence decision-making.

Common Causes Of Conflicts

Conflict can occur from common triggers such as:

• Miscommunication or Lack of Communication: Misunderstandings or not sharing important information can lead to disagreements.
• Diverse Backgrounds and Perspectives: While diversity is a strength, it can also lead to clashes if not managed respectfully.
• Resource Limitations: Competition for limited resources like time, money, or materials can create friction.
• Personality Clashes: Different personalities may struggle to work together smoothly without mutual understanding and respect.

The Role Of Communication In Resolving Conflicts

At the heart of resolving conflicts lies effective communication. It’s a process that extends beyond mere verbal exchanges to encompass understanding, empathy, and clarity.

Effective Communication

This involves actively listening, meaning you are fully engaging with and understanding what the other person is saying without simultaneously planning a response. It also includes expressing thoughts and feelings in a clear, direct, yet non-aggressive manner.

Non-verbal cues such as body language and tone of voice play a crucial role in trying to get things resolved, often speaking as loudly as words. Asking open-ended questions that elicit detailed responses, rather than simple yes or no answers, can also be beneficial. So, don’t just settle for an email, meet each other at least half way and hear each other out.

Active Listening Skills

Active listening skills are fundamental; they involve showing empathy by:

• Trying to understand the other person’s viewpoint
• Summarizing to ensure correct understanding
• Validating their perspective even when there’s disagreement
• Avoiding interruptions to show respect for their views

This approach doesn’t just resolve and address the immediate issue; it builds a foundation of mutual respect and understanding that can help prevent future conflicts and strengthen the club’s dynamics.

Conflict Resolution Strategies

Navigating the waters of conflict in school clubs requires a toolbox of strategies tailored to address various situations effectively. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in the nuanced world of interpersonal relationships, especially in the diverse setting of clubs in schools.

Here are some key strategies that can be employed:

1. Mediation And Negotiation

These are cornerstone techniques in settling a conflict. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps the conflicting members work out their issues and find a mutually acceptable solution. This mediator, who can be a club advisor or a trained peer, doesn’t make decisions but facilitates discussion.

Negotiation, on the other hand, is a direct dialogue between the parties in conflict, aiming to reach an agreement that satisfies both sides. It requires each party to understand the other’s perspective and find a middle ground.

2. Problem-Solving Approach

This approach treats conflicts as problems to be solved, not battles to be won. It involves:

• Identifying the root cause of the conflict
• Generating potential solutions
• Meeting and agreeing on a course of action that benefits all parties

This method encourages creative thinking and collaborative efforts, fostering a sense of team spirit and mutual respect among club members.

3. Use of ‘I’ Statements

In emotionally charged situations, using ‘I’ statements can help express feelings without blaming or accusing others.

For example, saying, “I feel overlooked when my ideas aren’t considered” instead of “You never listen to my ideas,” can prevent the other person from becoming defensive and keep the conversation constructive.

4. Establishing Ground Rules

Setting clear, agreed-upon rules for how club members interact can prevent conflicts from escalating. These rules might include respecting speaking turns, not interrupting, and prohibiting personal attacks. Ground rules create a safe environment where everyone feels heard and respected.

5. Emphasizing Common Goals

Reminding club members of their shared objectives can help people realign their focus away from the conflict and towards the club’s goals. This strategy benefits everyone and helps diffuse tensions by highlighting the bigger picture and the collective purpose.

6. Developing An Action Plan

Once a resolution is discussed and reached, creating an action plan with clear steps and responsibilities ensures that the agreed-upon solutions are implemented. This plan acts as a roadmap to navigate the way out of the conflict and prevents similar issues when they arise in the future.

7. Follow-up And Feedback

After the conflict has been resolved, it’s important to have a follow-up meeting to assess and recognize the effectiveness of the resolution. Gathering feedback from those involved provides insight into the process’s success and areas for improvement. Was the club really successful in trying to resolve the issue? Measuring this success can help preserve relationships in the club and help members focus on what really matters. Strategies like this also affect the rest of the club, not just the parties that were directly involved.

By employing these approaches, school clubs can not only resolve conflicts effectively but also strengthen their overall dynamics and academic side. This fosters an environment of understanding and cooperation that can help them in the future.

The Role Of Club Leaders In Conflict Resolution

Leadership in resolving conflicts is pivotal. As figureheads of the club, leaders have the unique opportunity to set the tone for how those problems are addressed and resolved.

Effective leadership in settling a conflict involves several separate key aspects:

Modeling Positive Behavior

Leaders should exemplify the behavior they wish to see in their team. This includes:

• Showing respect for all opinions
• Listening actively
• Maintaining a calm demeanor during disputes to work them out

By modeling constructive behavior, leaders set a standard for the rest of the team.

Encouraging Open Communication

Leaders need to create a place where each member feels safe to express their thoughts and concerns. This involves being approachable and fostering an atmosphere of trust and openness. When members feel heard and valued, many conflicts can be resolved more easily.

Mediating Disputes

At times, leaders may need to step in as mediators. This doesn’t mean taking sides, but rather helping those in conflict to communicate their points of view and work towards a conclusion.

Leaders should strive to be impartial, ensuring that all parties feel their perspectives are given fair consideration.

Providing Conflict Resolution Training

Leaders can organize workshops or training sessions in conflict resolution skills. This method not only equips members with the tools to handle disputes but also demonstrates the club’s commitment to maintaining a harmonious environment.

Developing a Conflict Resolution Policy

Having a clear policy or set of guidelines on how conflicts should be handled can be invaluable. This policy can include steps to be taken when a conflict arises, ensuring consistency and fairness in handling disputes.

Involving Peers in the Resolution Process

Peer involvement in ending a conflict can be highly effective, particularly in a campus or school club setting where peers may relate better to each other’s when they discuss experiences and viewpoints.

1. Implementing Peer Mediation Programs

Establishing peer mediation programs allows members to resolve conflicts among themselves with the guidance of trained peer mediators.

These mediators are trained to facilitate discussions, helping their peers communicate their issues and work towards a decision.

2. Encouraging Collaborative Problem-Solving

Involving peers in the conflict-resolution process encourages collaborative problem-solving, which starts with effective communication. When members work together to resolve conflicts, it builds team spirit and strengthens relationships within the team.

3. Utilizing Peer Feedback

Feedback from peers within organizations can be a valuable tool when trying to resolve conflict for all those involved. It can provide different perspectives and solutions that may not be apparent to those directly involved in the conflict.

4. Fostering A Supportive Peer Environment

Creating a supportive environment on campus where people feel comfortable discussing their concerns and conflicts can go a long way in preventing and resolving disputes. A culture of mutual support and understanding among members makes the club more cohesive and resilient to internal conflicts.

To Wrap Up

As we wrap up our journey through the world of conflict resolution in school clubs, it’s clear that understanding and managing conflicts is key to a successful and harmonious club environment. We’ve learned that communication, empathy, and the right strategies can transform conflicts into positive outcomes, strengthening the bond between club members.

Remember, conflicts are not just obstacles; they are opportunities for growth, learning, and developing stronger relationships. Take the first step now in reaching a peaceful conclusion through effective leadership and communication in your organizations. After all, when it comes to conflict resolution, school clubs will definitely benefit. Embrace the importance of these moments, apply what we’ve discussed, and watch as your school club flourishes with cooperation and shared success this year!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What is conflict resolution school clubs?

Social media is like a big digital playground where people connect, share, and learn new things. It’s especially popular among students, and many school clubs use it to increase their social media presence, for social media marketing, to stay in touch, to share news, and to showcase their activities. But just like in a real playground, there are rules to follow to make sure everyone has a good time and stays safe.

In this article, we’ll explore how responsible school club social media use is effective for things beyond just academics, making sure it’s a free, positive, and safe space for everyone to join. If your kids are going to follow an Instagram account, it might as well be a good one!

The Role Of School Clubs In Social Media

School clubs play a unique role on social media, acting as a bridge between students, the school, and the broader community. These clubs use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and their Facebook page not just to inform, but also to engage and inspire. Through their social media posts, stories, and tweets, clubs can highlight achievements, announce upcoming events, and showcase the talents and efforts of their members.

Social media also provides a space for students to express their creativity and share their experiences on the web. Students learn to communicate and present ideas in fun and engaging ways, no matter whether it’s through:

• A beautifully captured picture from a club event
• A creatively edited video of a performance
• A thoughtfully written blog post on their website

This not only boosts the club’s brand visibility but also enhances the skills of its future members.

Moreover, these creative platforms offer a way for clubs to interact directly with their audience. They can receive instant feedback, share information, answer queries, and create a sense of community among members and supporters.

For instance, a science club or class might post about a recent experiment, sparking discussions and curiosity among interested students, or a literature club might share book recommendations and reviews, fostering a love for reading.

However, with this role comes responsibility. Clubs need to be mindful of the type of content they write and share, ensuring that the post aligns with the values and policies of their school. They should strive to create content in a positive and inclusive environment, where all members feel represented and respected.

Setting Social Media Guidelines

To navigate the complex world of social media effectively and responsibly, school clubs must have a set of clear guidelines, and school social media managers to enforce them. These guidelines serve as a roadmap for appropriate and effective online behavior and content sharing.

Here are some key elements that should be included:

1. Content Approval: Establish a process for reviewing and approving the content created before it is posted. This ensures that all shared material is appropriate, respectful, and in line with the club’s objectives and school policies for that school year.

2. Respect And Inclusivity: Emphasize the importance of respect in all communications. Guidelines should explicitly prohibit any form of bullying, harassment, or hate speech. Encourage content that celebrates diversity and fosters an inclusive community.
3. Privacy And Consent: Include rules regarding privacy and the sharing of personal information. Ensure that any photos or videos featuring students are posted with their consent and that sensitive information is never disclosed.
4. Responsiveness: Set expectations for how and when the club should respond to comments and messages. This helps in maintaining active and positive engagement with the audience.
5. Crisis Management: Prepare a plan for handling negative situations or controversies should they arise. This may include steps for addressing misinformation, negative comments, or inappropriate posts.
6. Regular Updates: Social media trends and platform policies change frequently. Hence, it’s important to regularly review and update the guidelines to keep them relevant and effective.

By establishing these guidelines, school clubs can create a safe and engaging online environment that reflects their values and enhances their social media presence in the digital world.

Addressing Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a serious issue in the online world, teachers and school clubs can play a pivotal role in addressing and preventing it. Cyberbullying involves harmful or harassing behavior conducted through digital platforms like social media, messaging apps, or gaming platforms. It can take various forms, including hurtful comments, spreading rumors, or sharing embarrassing photos or videos.

To effectively address cyberbullying, school clubs should:

1. Create a Safe Environment: Foster a club culture where respect and kindness are the norms. Make it clear that bullying of any form is not tolerated.
2. Educate Members: Regularly educate club members about what constitutes cyberbullying, its impact, and why it’s unacceptable. Awareness is the first step in prevention.
3. Encourage Reporting: Make it easy and safe for students to report instances of cyberbullying. Assure them that their concerns will be taken seriously and handled with discretion.
4. Respond Promptly: When a case of cyberbullying is reported, respond quickly and effectively. This may involve speaking to the involved parties, involving school authorities, or, in severe cases, law enforcement.
5. Support Victims: Provide support to victims of cyberbullying. This could include counseling, mediation, or simply a safe space to talk about their experiences.
6. Promote Positive Behavior: Use the club’s social media platforms to promote positive interactions and share resources about combating cyberbullying.

Privacy And Safety On Social Media

Privacy and safety are paramount concerns in the digital space. School clubs should take proactive steps to protect their members and ensure a secure online experience.

To enhance privacy and safety, consider the following:

Understanding Online Privacy: Educating club members about online privacy begins with awareness of the types of personal information that should be safeguarded. This includes understanding what personal information is and the significance of protecting details like:

• Location
• Contact details
• Personal schedules

Equally important is guiding members on effectively using privacy settings on various social media platforms, which helps control who can see their posts and access their personal details.

Safe Sharing Practices: Safe sharing practices are fundamental to online safety. Members should be encouraged to think carefully before sharing anything online, considering the potential impact on themselves and others.

This extends to respecting the privacy of the member and others; for instance, always obtaining consent before sharing images or information that involves fellow club members.

Securing Social Media Accounts: The security of social media accounts is another critical aspect. This involves promoting the use of strong, unique passwords for each account and advocating for the use of two-factor authentication where available. These steps add a layer of security, safeguarding accounts from unauthorized access.

Dealing With Personal Data: Handling sensitive information with care is crucial, especially in group settings like clubs. Training members on the responsible management of sensitive information is key.

Additionally, advising against sharing real-time locations or detailed personal routines can help protect against potential security risks.

Monitoring and Reporting: Ensuring the safety of club members on social media also involves regular monitoring of the club’s social media pages. This is to ensure that privacy and safety standards are consistently upheld. It’s also important to educate members on how to recognize and report suspicious activity or breaches of privacy.

Responding to Privacy Concerns: Creating a clear and effective response plan for instances when a member’s privacy is compromised is essential. This plan should outline the steps for reporting and addressing the issue.

Supporting members who have experienced privacy violations is also crucial, offering them guidance on how to manage the situation.

Continuous Education: Staying updated with the latest trends and changes in social media is critical for providing current and effective advice on privacy and safety. This includes conducting regular training sessions for club staff and members, teaching and reinforcing the importance of these issues, and updating them on any new procedures or potential risks.

Balancing Online And Offline Activities

In the digital age, where social media is a dominant force in communication, research, marketing and engagement, school clubs must strike a balance between their online and offline activities. This balance ensures that while the benefits of digital connectivity are leveraged, the value of real-world interactions and experiences is not diminished.

Offline activities are the backbone of school clubs, providing opportunities for face-to-face interactions, hands-on experiences, and direct engagement with the school and local community.

These activities help kids build deeper relationships, develop interpersonal skills, and offer experiential learning that can’t be replicated online. For instance, irreplaceable experiences that foster teamwork, discipline, and personal growth include:

• A drama club’s live performances
• A science club’s lab experiments
• A sports team’s physical training and games

Integrating online and offline experiences can enhance the overall impact of club activities. Social media can be used to amplify the successes and learning from offline activities. For example, a photography club can organize a physical exhibition of their work and use social media to promote the event and share the photographs with a wider audience.

Similarly, clubs can live stream events, conduct online polls for upcoming activities, or use social media to recap and reflect on offline events, creating a cohesive club experience all year.

Setting Boundaries

Clubs need to set boundaries for online activities. This includes allocating specific times for social media updates and ensuring that digital engagement does not encroach upon the time dedicated to physical club meetings and activities.

Encouraging team members to be present and engaged during offline activities, without the distractions of social media, fosters a more focused and rewarding experience.

Encouraging Social Detox

Periodically, clubs can also encourage digital detoxes – designated periods where members consciously disengage from social media and digital devices to focus on real-world interactions and activities. This practice can help members appreciate the value of direct human connections with friends and the world around them, reducing the potential for digital burnout.

Monitoring And Feedback

Regularly monitoring the balance between online and offline activities and seeking feedback from club members can provide insights into how effectively the club is managing this equilibrium.

This feedback can be used to make adjustments, ensuring that both online and offline activities are aligned with the club’s goals and the interests of its members.

To Wrap Up

Using social media in school clubs is a bit like gardening – it needs care, attention, and the right knowledge and tools to flourish. We’ve talked about how clubs can create a thriving online community by being thoughtful, respectful, and safe. Remember, it’s all about sharing the right things, being kind to each other, and keeping everyone’s information safe. If school clubs keep these tips in mind, they can make the most out of their social media presence and enjoy a vibrant, connected community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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My little sister and I happen to have a massive age gap, which was 14 years. She practically entered the world when I was already in middle school. In truth, my parents had been trying for another child for many years, but they only got blessed with one when my mother was closer to 40 than 30. For that, Abby was considered a miracle baby in more ways than one.

If we talk about a typical home setting, the big sister or brother tends to get jealous over the vast amount of attention that their new sibling got from everyone. I mean, Abby even got to celebrate each month leading up to her first birthday, which was as lavish as a quinceañera. However, unlike other kids, I was genuinely happy for Abby’s arrival in our lives.

Why might you ask? Abby was the sweetest baby on the planet. She did not cry much about anything; she loved cuddles for as long as I could remember. As long Abby was clean and full, she would giggle at whatever you do.

Growing Up

When I was still in middle or high school, I tried my best to bond with Abby as much as I could. She mostly cared for Dora the Explorer and Peppa Pig during her toddling years, but I knew that our time to live under the same roof was numbered. Once I turned 18 years old, I would leave the house and go off to college. My dream university was on the other side of the country, so I could not see Abby as often as possible.

I would say that I was successful in bonding with Abby. Whenever I would come home for the holidays, we would always be attached to the hip. She was like my shadow, always wanting to do whatever I was doing. It was hilarious, but it was also eye-opening, considering I realized that I was a role model in her eyes, and I had to act that way.

Did I mind having that extra responsibility? Not at all. For one, I never had a rebellious phase; I had always been aware of what’s right from wrong. I did not intend to drink or party my way through college either because I wanted to become a psychologist and therapist to help my friends with mental health disorders. I knew that it would never happen if I acted as most college students did. So, being Abby’s role model was not too daunting of a task.

Keeping In Touch With Abby

My little sister and I remained close despite our physical distance. After getting my Ph.D. degree, I decided to do an internship in Finland, which was an incredible experience. That’s also where I met Johnny, and when we returned to the US to get married, Abby was the first person I wanted my husband-to-be to meet.

Despite how hectic my life had been as a married and career woman, I tried to talk to Abby as much as possible. She was 12 years old at the time – closer to hitting puberty than ever. It was the most critical aspect in anyone’s life, and I wanted her to be open with me.

During one of our nightly video chats, Abby was upset due to a fight in her circle of friends. She was huffing and saying that she did not need friends anyway. However, like her big sister and a licensed therapist, I had to remind her why she should find real-life friends.

True Friends Anchor You To Life

Remaining in touch with reality is often challenging for individuals who have no idea about real friendships. The reason is that they do not have guaranteed anchors to this lifetime. If you find friends who are willing to be your anchor, color yourself lucky.

True Friends Do Not Let You Get Away With Everything

Your true friends will never let you get away with awful decisions. It’s not because they are envious of you – it’s because they want the best for you. You cannot find that level of caring from people who aim to be a bad influence in your life.

True Friends Are Your Chosen Siblings 

Although my sister and I are very close, I reminded her that having more people that she could consider as brothers and sisters was a lovely thing. Real friends do not always come by, but they will become family in no time when you find them. That’s especially important if you are all about to go to college, and you cannot rely on anyone else but your chosen siblings.

Final Thoughts

I understood that my sister might not have much idea about what I was talking about at that point. Abby was young – she did not know the value of friends back then. However, after a few years, she told me, “Do you remember the day you encouraged me to find real-life friends? I know what that’s like now, and I cannot thank you enough for telling me about its significance.”

People might have divided views of the high school experience. For some, it is loaded with enjoyments such as parties, concerts, elections, new influences, and new subjects among others, while the majority got the high school blues.  For Carl E. Pickhardt, Ph.D., “The beginning freshman experience can be a daunting one. I made my way through middle school and it wasn’t easy; but high school is like starting over, only tougher.” 

 One thing for sure, high school drains everyone’s energy either because of fun or academics. “Middle school is a gray zone—that difficult time when you don’t feel like you have the skills to handle the challenge of parenting,” says Patti Cancellier, education director for the Parent Encouragement Program. Having a lot of responsibility is associated with growing up, and high school is full of that, which also teaches one to become the person he is aiming to be. It may cause overloading of your senses, but through proper time management and prioritizing activities, it will become lighter and more enjoyable. Once a person masters the technique of handling high school years very well, he is ready enough to face the real world waiting outside.

Whether the student is a freshmen year or final year in high school, the following tips will surely cover up all the necessary things to survive high school.

Have Your Locker

Nobody can predict what’s going to happen in a whole day’s stay at school, so it’s better to get prepared for any circumstance that can occur. Having a personal locker is a must and for every student to one’s saving grace for these unexpected situations. For example, girls must always have reserved sanitary napkins or tampons in their lockers so that they will not get anymore panic every time they will have their monthly period. It is also nice to store medicines for headaches, LBM, and other common sicknesses.

Join A Club And Be Active

Choose a club that suits your interests and skills. Through this, a person can meet new friends and may find his identity. One must not stay away from other students because not all are bad influences. When there are competitions, debates, sports, and academics, students must go out of their comfort zones and try joining. Maybe by trying new things, a person can discover the hidden talents that he doesn’t realize he has. This is an excellent opportunity as well to meet new friends and widen your social network. Also, joining clubs and school organizations can further enhance your abilities because these are supervised by teachers and coaches who are specialized in their field of practice.

Study Well

It is okay to have fun most of the time, but it is important not to forget the real responsibility of students why they are sent to school. It can be an avenue, and a means for a person to fulfill their ambitions in life. Wasting time on unimportant things may cause a person to lose his goals in life. Remember that life is a competition and losers have no place in the world.

Choose Friends Wisely

According to psychotherapist Amy Morin, “The company you keep says a lot about you, because your friends have a major influence on how you feel, think, and behave.” Friends define the identity of a person. As the saying goes, Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are. A person should maintain close connections with other students that will influence them to be better people and should keep distance to those who tend to drag people down and cause more harm. A lousy company may be tempting, but a good one is a real deal.

Think Positive

Everyone loves a person who always smiles. There is nothing wrong with being optimistic in life but also consider the other side of the coin. Not all people want to be a friend to somebody, so one must not worry about making everyone pleased. A person must respect the people surrounding him/her to receive the same in return.

Trust Yourself

When a person has confidence in talking and doing something, others may also believe in him/her. Do not imitate anyone, instead act who you are. If a person falls, he must stand and learn from his previous mistakes in life.

The joys of attending high school are beyond unbelievable. Make the most of this experience and keep right and loving memories as you complete the four years of secondary education.

 

 

 

“Let’s begin by clearing up something: Self-respect does not make you narcissistic or conceited or self-centered … in fact, it does quite the opposite. Self-respect is about amassing a deep sense of self-worth and self-love to show that you are worthy of receiving love and in turn, giving love.” – Danielle Dowling, PsyD. 

Since we were young, our parents taught us the value and importance of being grateful in life especially to the people who have been good to us. We learned that by being grateful, we become benevolent as well, for we know that in every appreciation we give, comes the feeling of happiness and fulfillment not just on the person we thank for but also to ourselves. We got used to appreciating every little thing in life regardless of how well or bad it is because we know that, everything happens for a reason and that we should still show kindness during adversities. Learning the importance of gratitude has helped us to embrace and live up its value; hence, we become grateful for everything, always. 

On the other hand, despite the fact of being grateful for everything that we have, we sometimes forget to appreciate one important person to be thankful for, and that is our self. We have the innate selflessness that enables us to put others’ well-being first, that is why with all the appreciation that we have for other people, we fail to appreciate our self. 

Start Within Yourself

Most of us see gratitude as something to be shared with others, except for our self, because we think that appreciating one’s self is already arrogant. Give yourself a short break for a while and try to be grateful for what you have become. Examine within yourself that you are thankful for the person that you came to be so that you can be a blessing to others as well. This way, you know your worth thus giving yourself importance. Be narcissistic for a while. You must remember that gratitude starts with you; hence you deserve to appreciate yourself for choosing and doing what is right.

Steven Stosny, Ph.D. says, “Self-value is more behavioral than emotional, more about how you act toward what you value, including yourself than how you feel about yourself compared to others. It necessarily includes self-care.”

What Should You Thank Yourself For?

It is easy for us to recognize the things and people we are grateful for while we unnoticed the things we should thank our self for, like appreciating yourself for:

• Being thankful for everything
• Keeping up the faith amidst life’s adversities
• Returning kindness over cruelty
• Courage to let go
• Believing in love despite the pain
• Giving second chances
• Accepting things that are not meant for you
• Forgiving others and yourself
• Recognizing your mistakes

Just like how we appreciate and admire other people on how they overcome the challenges in their lives, we should also do the same to ourselves.  “Acknowledging and expressing genuine gratitude for what you appreciate in your life is a deeply kind act,” says psychotherapist Lea Seigen Shinraku. When you know how to appreciate yourself, you begin to discover your strengths and weaknesses, and this would help you improve yourself into becoming a better person. Self-appreciation is a way of recognizing self-worth, which enables you to realize that you are a human of substance, worthy to be loved and respected. 

Your relationship with yourself is as significant as your character. As they say, you cannot give what you do not have. You cannot learn to appreciate others if you do not know how to thank yourself. Do not be too hard on yourself, give yourself the reward that you deserve. Remember you are doing your very best to be the best version of yourself and that is already an achievement. Reward yourself with appreciation, celebrate your pain and triumphs and rejoice for better days to come. 

 

 

Becoming a parent is a privilege because not everyone can experience the joy and happiness of raising a child from becoming a better person. A source of pride, it is as well the most demanding and challenging responsibility that one can have. It takes courage and commitment to embrace the life of becoming a parent regardless of its nature. Living with this challenge is the part on how to raise children with positive values and the right attitude. “We want our children to be able to relate to other people’s feelings and to feel a sense of belonging in their classrooms and community,” says clinical psychologist Sheela Raja. “Cultivating a sense of gratefulness goes a long way toward this goal.”

Parents are expected to give out your best just to make sure that children will have a secure and successful life ahead. The society sees a child as a mere reflection of the kind of parents that a child has. Even if it’s not the main reason for the outcome of the child in later life, the role of the parents still has a significant factor. With this, your worth as a parent is determined on how you were able to rear your children of becoming who and what they are in life. 

When And How To Start?

Start Them Young.  The child’s brain is like a sponge. It absorbs everything that it encounters. By training them with good habits, they will embrace it and will eventually become a lifelong habit. Coupled with role modeling, this will be easy for them to follow the actions that they observe around them. Grab this opportunity to teach them the right skills in surviving life and to engage their young minds the value of gratitude. Giacomo Bono, Ph.D. wrote, “When parents tune into an infant’s needs and curiosities and satisfy the infant patiently with love, they’re planting the seeds for gratitude to grow.”

Cultivate An Attitude Of Gratitude. The sincerest thought comes from a child. It is like whatever a child has to say, it becomes heartfelt as always, because of the pureness of their heart. 

What one of the first things parents commonly teach their child is praying, and through this, parents start to teach their child to give thanks to the Heavenly Father. The phrase “thank you” is one of the sweetest phrases we could hear from a child. It brings a smile to our faces when they utter this two-word statement, and our heart swells with happiness. 

Teaching and showing your child what it means to say, “thank you” allows practicing gratefulness at an early age. This way, as the child grows up, he can show appreciation, not just with the material things but moreover the simple gestures and favors he gets from the people around him. In return, he will realize that showing gratitude makes people happy, a rewarding feeling for doing something right to others. According to Sarah Conway, a psychologist and mom, “The absolute best way to teach kids to be grateful, is to BE GRATEFUL. They will take their cues from you. So thank them often.”

With constant practice, the child will become accustomed to the importance of gratitude, the effect it brings to the people and the enthusiasm it gives into becoming a better version of oneself. Parenting is one tough job, but by embracing and appreciating the privilege it entails, you will never find any reason to quit. Instead, it will make you a better person, someone whom your child can look up to and be thankful because you have dedicated your life to bring them up with good hearts.

The rewards of practicing gratitude. Have you ever experienced opening the door to someone and not receiving a mere expression of gratitude?

Some people experience negativity in life where they feel that all the forces in the world are against them. All of us have gone through some point in our life wherein we feel like nothing good is happening or ever going to happen. This can be a phase that we are having especially if things don’t go as we like it to be – a failed exam, a breakup, loss in business prospects, or even a death of a loved one. As human as we are, we tend to bounce back and face the music. We like to meet the battle and conquer whatever struggles we are currently in. Nonetheless, some individuals cannot afford to handle these tragic situations, and they would resort to feelings of indifference, hopelessness, and helplessness.

Dissatisfaction Leads to Unhappiness 

Imagine waking up every day feeling upset and thinking that the world is being unfair to you.  This is the life of unhappy individuals. They feel like the world has given up on them and that they could no longer have the things they want, without noticing or appreciating the things that are already there. Psychologist Ryan Howes says, “Maybe the reason you feel so hopeless isn’t rooted in reality, but instead in a false narrative about your abilities or circumstances. Maybe you tell yourself that you don’t really deserve a raise or loving friends. Maybe you tell yourself that you’re not that smart or creative or capable.”

There is no satisfaction at all, as they keep on asking for the things they lack in life.  All these adverse predicaments engulf their positive outlook on life – always complaining about certain aspects.

Aside from dissatisfaction, these people also nurture feelings of ingratitude. Living a life of ingratitude hampers one from seeing the goodness in life; it limits the capacity of the heart to appreciate anything at all.  As a result, they find it hard within themselves to feel inner happiness and satisfaction in life.

Psychiatric Counseling Can Help

One way to seek help is to consult a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist to help determine the reasons for dissatisfaction, ingratitude, pessimism, and depression. Once known, the person is guided to undergo psychotherapy to help change his perspectives on life. Depending on the psychiatric evaluation, the person shall be given some medications to help regulate chemicals in the brain and control the emotional turmoil felt within. Similarly, they may allow you to get online counseling (try BetterHelp) in the beginning.

On a personal level, the change must come from within the person himself. The only way of overcoming this is a mighty change of heart, together with the assistance and support of family and friends. Their perception of life will gradually change as they start to see the goodness in life. The counsel and support that they receive from the people around them are vital in opposing the negativity that is influencing their mind and heart on not to appreciate what life has given them.

Final Words

Yes, it is true that many people recover from depression without taking medication. But that doesn’t mean that willpower alone is what got them there. Major depression, or clinical depression, is a problem with the neurochemistry of our brain not properly regulating our moods, and just willing yourself to feel better isn’t going to cut it,” explains Becky Howie, MA, LPC.

Counseling per se is an excellent way of making us realize that when ungratefulness consumes us, seeking advice or merely opening up about all the frustrations and challenges in life with someone we trust can help us appreciate the attitude of becoming grateful in life. 

“School” is the most important place for children, a place where they find out about themselves and their world, where they meet and learn from each other and from teachers, a place where they prepare themselves for the future.” – John Victor, Senior Clinical Psychologist. 

High school is challenging for almost every student. They are constantly exposed to external stimuli that are either too challenging or too big to be overcome. These are times when students are tempted to try things but often don’t either because of peer pressure or because of a lack of confidence. One such experiment is taking part in school clubs. For such students, it is always better to take part in a club. A lot of studies have shown that this group of people tends to become a support group when supposed strangers chat and talk about life on a daily basis.

It becomes easier to get through difficult times when you know that you aren’t the only one in this. Several issues such as depression and anxiety are common but students refrain from visiting an expert because mental illness is seen as a stigma in society.  “Just like any other symptom, said Amresh Shrivastava, MD, “when the stigma is left untreated it can cause serious damage to the brain, and even to the patient’s life. Relapse is more susceptible in patients with untreated stigma, and risk of suicide is increased.”

If you are a student and you feel that you need someone to talk to, the best option is to join a school club. If you are a club member or president and you are looking for ways to start functioning as a support group as well, then this is how you can function as both:

• Be Clear and Precise

Let your club members know that you are planning to start a support group. Run the idea through them and give them a plan of action. Once everyone is on board, proceed with the flyers and specify the kind of support group you plan on conducting. For instance, if your support group is for people battling depression, then state it clearly. Once people start flowing in explain to them what a support group means and how it functions. 

• Pick A Place

Pick a common spot and don’t change it. School spaces are ideal; you can schedule the meetings after school in a specific classroom. The idea is to pick a location that is easily accessible by all and free every time for a meeting. The problem with choosing a member’s home or yours is that the place might not be available all the time. 

• Schedule 

Schedule your meetings in a manner that suits everyone. You can schedule your meetings once a week at a specific time for an hour. One hour is the ideal duration for a support group meeting. Make sure you start and end on time so people take it seriously and the decorum is maintained. It doesn’t matter if people come in late or leave early; you should always start your meetings as per schedule. 

• Talk to your Therapist

It is important that you encourage the group members to visit a therapist and talk to someone about their routines and how well they are doing. Get some ideas from them as they are professionals and know better.  Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. wrote, “Therapy can help you ease your pain and create a healthier and more fulfilling life.”

• Keep an Anonymous Box 

Most people don’t do this but since it is a school support group, it is important that you leave a box for people to talk and express themselves anonymously. This is bound to encourage them to one day talk about their feelings openly once they see how well their anonymous emotions are being received by the other members of the group. 

• Refreshments

Ask your group members to take turns and provide for light refreshments. As this support group is for students, you can always pool in for the refreshments. 

• Create an Electronic Group

Make sure that everyone stays connected even if they aren’t at the meeting. Make a WhatsApp or Email group and involve everyone in it. This enables people to stay in touch even if no meeting is scheduled. They feel comfortable knowing they can always reach out whenever the need arises. 

• Leader

It is important that you assign a support group leader; this allows the group to function better and hold up the dynamics well. 

Sharing stories can be a little intimidating so it is important that you hire a certified therapist to attend the meetings for training and monitoring purposes. Sometimes, in case something is triggered in a member, control is imperative. 

 

 

When your kids get into preschool, they are more engrossed in play rather than learn, which is generally okay, since the first three years are designed to encourage kids to learn to play in groups and with different types of children. When they enter middle school they begin to tackle school and friends, and most often than not, they prefer talking and doing things with friends than study and learn. 

If you notice that your kids tend to be more passive towards their school work, encourage them to join something that will not only help hasten to learn but also enlighten them to do more activities that are geared towards the development, growth, and progress of the youth. School and community clubs are some of the best avenues for your kids to join. This will expose them to practices that will help them practice their social and leadership skills as well. 

Check out some of these recommended clubs that you can consider if you want your kid to join one.

Types of Clubs and What They Do

Book club. One of the most educational and enriching clubs that you would love your kids to join. There are activities that are designed to keep the kids and teens interested, such as group reading time and role-playing time, where they choose a book and perform it, assigning kids different roles. They can also be classified into groups and help each other read a more advanced book. This practices reading as well as team building skills. 

Career Club. Teens as early as 13 to 16 years old can join this group. Its aim is to help the children decide the career or vocation that they want to pursue. They are led by a teacher or an elder who discusses with them different careers that they can follow, and then the children are asked to talk about the career they’ve chosen and why. This way, they will learn how to decide at an early age which path they want to lead. Joining career clubs encourage children to appreciate their strengths and develop their weaknesses. 

Sports and Recreation Club. The United States has created several of these clubs that encompass teaching children positive eating habits and physical activities that develop their mind, body, and soul. They have sessions where they are taught how to prepare meals that are healthy and nutritious. They also engage in physical fitness and games that help them get moving and practice teamwork and friendly competition. Kids are also taught the value of cooperation and cultivate interpersonal and social skills. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America has created a number of sports and recreation clubs for kids of all ages. Some of these clubs are the Triple Play, Play Ball, and All-Stars. 

Childhood Bereavement Club. This club is not only for those who have lost their loved ones but also those who want to help and reach out to those who need comfort in their time of grief. Kids and teens need to develop a strong mental and emotional foundation to get through their feelings of grief, sadness, and depression. They may have anger problems that need to be attended to. Adult leaders guide these kids and teach them how to cope with these challenges. For teens that are initially hesitant to express, they are encouraged to read online blogs and articles that may push them to learn coping strategies.

 

Encouraging Kids and Teens to Learn Early

These and many other clubs are available for kids and teens that are in the stage of curiosity and independence. Clubs are a great way to pull your children towards the right direction and keep them away from the possible dangers of growing up.