December

Theme of the Month: Relationships

Friendships

Human beings naturally want to have connection with others. Some of us crave connection more than others but it is important for everyone to have positive friendships. The number of friends you have does not matter as much as the quality of the friendships. Let's explore positive qualities we might look for in a "good" friend. What does your friendship qualities list include?

Listens without interrupting

Is present when you need help

Non-judgmental

Kind

Dependable

Honest

Expresses empathy

Loyal (no gossiping behind your back)

Giver, not a taker

Appreciates your differences

Sticks up for you

Supportive

Laughs and Cries with you

Trustworthy

Fun

Read this article for further information: https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-good-friend#:~:text=Good%20friends%20are%20loyal%20and,being%20a%20good%20friend%20yourself.&text=Along%20with%20good%20friends%20who,want%20friends%20who%20are%20trustworthy.

Positive Communication

Have you ever said something you regret? Or maybe yelled instead of spoke kindly? Communication can be a tricky thing but there are some easy tips to help us.

Tips for improving communication:

1) Paying complete attention to person speaking

2) Express feelings to others appropriately and do not use putdowns or name calling

3) Use "I" statements (examples: I feel ____ when you ____).

4) Avoid looking away, using the silent treatment, or crossing your arms, etc.

5) Let each person completely state his or her thought without interruption

6) Give feedback by paraphrasing or restating to make sure the speaker is truly understood by others

7) Use a natural and neutral tone of voice instead of yelling or talking loudly

8) Avoid long lectures or "talking down"

9) Pause before responding- This gives time to think and consider a response which isn't based solely on emotion

https://www.apacenter.com/tips-for-improving-family-communication/

Family

Families come in all shapes and sizes. It is not our physical looks which connect us but our love and care for each other. As families we are able to care for each other, share our feelings and concerns, and protect each other.

Family members may love us and drive us crazy at the same time. In fact, that is pretty normal. Appreciating our differences and spending quality time together (try non-electronic for most of it) helps strengthen family bonds. Listening to each other, giving each other compliments, and not isolating in our rooms helps create connection.

**Sometimes though, people can hurt us and too often it is family members who hurt us. This might be hurt feelings or something more serious: neglect and abuse. Neglect is the failure to be cared for properly.

Abuse- to treat (a person or an animal) with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly. Abuse comes in many forms: physical, verbal/emotional, mental/psychological, financial/economic, sexual, cultural/identity, child, and elder abuse. #If there is a suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, immediately call 1-877-597-2331

Seek out trusted and safe family members who will provide protection. If there are none, contact a safe adult (teacher, neighbor, friend, or community worker (policeman, fireman, social worker)).

Hotlines:

National Domestic Violence hotline 800.799.SAFE (7233)

KY Child Abuse Hotline 1-877-597-2331 (this is mandated reporting by all adults in the state of KY. Failure to report can result in legal issues).

Positive Ways To Help Us Connect With Others

Play a Game (board, card, online, outdoors)
Give Compliments
Take a Walk
Explore Nature
Chat on the Phone
Virtual Chat
Volunteer to Help Someone
Write a Letter
Smile
Use Kind Words
Active Listening
Not Interrupting
Join or Start a Club (book club, chess club, science club, tech club, etc.) Can be in person or online.
Cook Together
Bake Together
Eat Together-No electronic distractions at the table.
Spend Non-Electronic Time Together
Show Respect
Apologize When You Make a Mistake
Share Your Passions-art, theatre, reading, sports, music, etc.
Forgive Others
Make Someone a Gift
Show You Care
Show Empathy
Create Art
Listen to Music
Lego Challenge
Movie Night
Family Scavenger Hunt (outdoors)
Play Charades
Create a new Tradition
Read as a Family
Plant a Garden
Camp Out in the Backyard
Hug Every Day (family)
Say "I Love You" (family)
Help a Friend
Reach Out to Friends (don't be scared to be the first to make contact)
Play a Game Virtually Together (for people not in the same house/area)

Check out the books below: they center on friendships.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip Stead.

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

Communication Skills for Teens: How to Listen, Express, and Connect for Success (The Instant Help Solutions Series)

The Teen Girl's Durvival Guide by Dr. Lucie Hemmen

Family Engagement Through Play

Check out Family Through Play for ideas on how to encourage play at home, bond as a family, create positive communication and develop appreciation for others.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse