July 21, 2018

Quote of the Week

"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." - Joseph Campbell

Self Compassion In Kids

"Over the years, there has been a tremendous emphasis in our society on building kids’ self-esteem. Psychologists now think we should be teaching children how to develop self-compassion instead. [...]

Self-compassion is learning to extend understanding, compassion and encouragement to yourself when things don’t go your way, treating yourself the way you would a close and treasured friend. Research shows increasing self-compassion has all the benefits of self-esteem but without the downsides. Unlike self-esteem, self-compassion reduces anxiety, lowers feelings of embarrassment when you mess up, and is associated with steadier and more consistent feelings of self-worth.

There are several ways to help foster self-compassion in kids." [read more]

Reading Corner

Title: Listening With My Heart

By: Gabi Garcia

Ages: 4+

When Esperanza finds a heart-shaped rock, she sees it as a reminder to spread kindness and love in the world. But when the school play doesn’t go the way she’d imagined, will she remember to give it to herself?

In today’s hypercompetitive world, kids often internalize the message that their worth is attached to their accomplishments and that messing up is something to be ashamed of, rather than a normal part of life, which can lead to critical self-talk. Listening with My Heart reminds us of the other golden rule—to treat ourselves like we would treat a friend. When we do this, we are practicing self-compassion.

Listening with My Heart is a beautifully illustrated book that touches on the universal themes of kindness, empathy and self-compassion. It includes kid-friendly self-compassion / mindfulness exercises. - Publishers

Be the Change

The article brings up Mindfulness, Kindness, Compassion and Gratitude in the fore-front in a beautiful synthesis. Here's a neat way of brining small ways of mindfulness and compassion in our day to day lives as a family.

If there's anything that stands out in the process of trying out these small exercises, do share it with us. We'd love to hear your experiences of how you practiced self-compassion as a family this week?