Monday, February 8, 2016

FEBRUARY 8 - 12

Resiliencia: Los 12 hábitos de las personas resilientes

¿Sabes qué es la resiliencia? ¿Quieres aprender a ser más resiliente?

A veces la vida nos pone a prueba, nos plantea situaciones que superan nuestras capacidades: una enfermedad, una ruptura de pareja particularmente dolorosa, la muerte de un ser querido, el fracaso de un sueño largamente anhelado, problemas económicos… Existen diferentes circunstancias que nos pueden llevar al límite y hacer que nos cuestionemos si tenemos la fuerza y la voluntad necesarias para continuar adelante. En este punto tenemos dos opciones: dejarnos vencer y sentir que hemos fracasado o sobreponernos y salir fortalecidos, apostar por la resiliencia.

 

Resiliencia: definición y significado

La resiliencia, según la definición de la Real Academia Española de la Lengua es la capacidad humana de asumir con flexibilidad situaciones límite y sobreponerse a ellas, pero en psicología añadimos algo más al concepto de resiliencia: no sólo gracias a ella somos capaces de afrontar las crisis o situaciones potencialmente traumáticas , sino que también podemos salir fortalecidos de ellas.

La resiliencia implica reestructurar nuestros recursos psicológicos en función de las nuevas circunstancias y de nuestras necesidades. De esta manera, las personas resilientes no solo son capaces de sobreponerse a las adversidades que les ha tocado vivir, sino que van un paso más allá y utilizan esas situaciones para crecer y desarrollar al máximo su potencial.

Para las personas resilientes no existe una vida dura, sino momentos difíciles. Y no se trata de una simple disquisición terminológica, sino de una manera diferente y más optimista de ver el mundo ya que son conscientes de que después de la tormenta llega la calma. De hecho, estas personas a menudo sorprenden por su buen humor y nos hacen preguntarnos cómo es posible que, después de todo lo que han pasado, puedan afrontar la vida con una sonrisa en los labios.

La práctica de la resiliencia: ¿Cómo podemos ser más resilientes?

La resiliencia no es una cualidad innata, no está impresa en nuestros genes, aunque sí puede haber una tendencia genética que puede predisponer a tener un “buen carácter”.La resiliencia es algo que todos  podemos desarrollar a lo largo de la vida. Hay personas que son resilientes porque han tenido en sus padres o en alguien cercano un modelo de resiliencia a seguir, mientras que otras han encontrado el camino por sí solas. Esto nos indica que todos podemos ser resilientes, siempre y cuando cambiemos algunos de nuestros hábitos y creencias.
De hecho, las personas resilientes no nacen, se hacen, lo cual significa que han tenido que luchar contra situaciones adversas o que han probado varias veces el sabor del fracaso y no se han dado por vencidas. Al encontrarse al borde del abismo, han dado lo mejor de sí y han desarrollado las habilidades necesarias para enfrentar los diferentes retos de la vida.

¿Qué caracteriza a una persona resiliente?

Las personas que practican la resiliencia:
1.    Son conscientes de sus potencialidades y limitaciones. El autoconocimiento es un arma muy poderosa para enfrentar las adversidades y los retos, y las personas resilientes saben usarla a su favor. Estas personas saben cuáles son sus principales fortalezas y habilidades, así como sus limitaciones y defectos. De esta manera pueden trazarse metas más objetivas que no solo tienen en cuenta sus necesidades y sueños, sino también los recursos de los que disponen para conseguirlas.

2.    Son creativas. La persona con una alta capacidad de resiliencia no se limita a intentar pegar el jarrón roto, es consciente de que ya nunca a volverá a ser el mismo. El resiliente hará un mosaico con los trozos rotos, y transformará su experiencia dolorosa en algo bello o útil. De lo vil, saca lo precioso.

3.    Confían en sus capacidades. Al ser conscientes de sus potencialidades y limitaciones, las personas resilientes confían en lo que son capaces de hacer. Si algo les caracteriza es que no pierden de vista sus objetivos y se sienten seguras de lo que pueden lograr. No obstante, también reconocen la importancia del trabajo en equipo y no se encierran en sí mismas, sino que saben cuándo es necesario pedir ayuda.

4.    Asumen las dificultades como una oportunidad para aprender. A lo largo de la vida enfrentamos muchas situaciones dolorosas que nos desmotivan, pero las personas resilientes son capaces de ver más allá de esos momentos y no desfallecen. Estas personas asumen las crisis como una oportunidad para generar un cambio, para aprender y crecer. Saben que esos momentos no serán eternos y que su futuro dependerá de la manera en que reaccionen. Cuando se enfrentan a una adversidad se preguntan: ¿qué puedo aprender yo de esto?

5.    Practican el mindfulness o conciencia plena. Aún sin ser conscientes de esta práctica milenaria, las personas resilientes tienen el hábito de estar plenamente presentes, de vivir en el aquí y ahora y de tienen una gran capacidad de aceptación. Para estas personas el pasado forma parte del ayer y no es una fuente de culpabilidad y zozobra mientras que el futuro no les aturde con su cuota de incertidumbre y preocupaciones. Son capaces de aceptar las experiencias tal y como se presentan e intentan sacarles el mayor provecho. Disfrutan de los pequeños detalles y no han perdido su capacidad para asombrarse ante la vida.

6.    Ven la vida con objetividad, pero siempre a través de un prisma optimista. Las personas resilientes son muy objetivas, saben cuáles son sus potencialidades, los recursos que tienen a su alcance y sus metas, pero eso no implica que no sean optimistas. Al ser conscientes de que nada es completamente positivo ni negativo, se esfuerzan por centrarse en los aspectos positivos y disfrutan de los retos. Estas personas desarrollan un optimismo realista, también llamado optimalismo, y están convencidas de que por muy oscura que se presente su jornada, el día siguiente puede ser mejor.

7.    Se rodean de personas que tienen una actitud positiva. Las personas que practican la resiliencia saben cultivar sus amistades, por lo que generalmente se rodean de personas que mantienen una actitud positiva ante la vida y evitan a aquellos que se comportan como vampiros emocionales. De esta forma, logran crear una sólida red de apoyo que les puede sostener en los momentos más difíciles.

8.    No intentan controlar las situaciones. Una de las principales fuentes de tensiones y estrés es el deseo de querer controlar todos los aspectos de nuestra vida. Por eso, cuando algo se nos escapa de entre las manos, nos sentimos culpables e inseguros. Sin embargo, las personas resilientes saben que es imposible controlar todas las situaciones, han aprendido a lidiar con la incertidumbre y se sienten cómodos aunque no tengan el control.

9.    Son flexibles ante los cambios. A pesar de que las personas resilientes tienen una autoimagen muy clara y saben perfectamente qué quieren lograr, también tienen la suficiente flexibilidad como para adaptar sus planes y cambiar sus metas cuando es necesario. Estas personas no se cierran al cambio y siempre están dispuestas a valorar diferentes alternativas, sin aferrarse obsesivamente a sus planes iniciales o a una única solución.

10. Son tenaces en sus propósitos. El hecho de que las personas resilientes sean flexibles no implica que renuncien a sus metas, al contrario, si algo las distingue es su perseverancia y su capacidad de lucha. La diferencia estriba en que no luchan contra molinos de viento, sino que aprovechan el sentido de la corriente y fluyen con ella. Estas personas tienen una motivación intrínseca que les ayuda a mantenerse firmes y luchar por lo que se proponen.

11. Afrontan la adversidad con humor. Una de las características esenciales de las personas resilientes es su sentido del humor, son capaces de reírse de la adversidad y sacar una broma de sus desdichas. La risa es su mejor aliada porque les ayuda a mantenerse optimistas y, sobre todo, les permite enfocarse en los aspectos positivos de las situaciones.

12. Buscan la ayuda de los demás y el apoyo social. Cuando las personas resilientes pasan por un suceso potencialmente traumático su primer objetivo es superarlo, para ello, son conscientes de la importancia del apoyo social y no dudan en buscar ayuda profesional cuando lo necesitan.

 

La resiliencia en los niños

Si queremos que nuestros hijos afronten las dificultades de la vida con fortaleza es importante educarles en la capacidad de ser resilientes, para ello es fundamental nuestro ejemplo, no sobreprotegerles y sobre todo creer en ellos. No se trata de evitar que se caigan, sino de enseñarles a levantarse, y para ello tenemos que confiar en que ellos pueden. Por supuesto, tampoco se trata de exponerles a peligros o ambientes agresivos “para que se hagan más fuertes”, afortunadamente no estamos en Esparta. Aportar seguridad y protección es necesario. Algo importante que podemos preguntarles a los niños cuando tienen un contratiempo si queremos que aprendan a desarrollar la resiliencia es ¿qué puedes aprender de esto? o ¿qué puedes sacar bueno de esto que ha ocurrido?



Tomado de: http://www.elpradopsicologos.es/blog/resiliencia-resilientes/  

Monday, February 1, 2016

FEBRUARY 1 - 5

How to Survive Middle School
I never expected middle school to be quite so difficult for my daughter (more on that in a minute). But now that she’s in eighth grade — and thriving — I realize that the three stages of middle school are very much like the ivy my husband is growing on our backyard wall.

He told me that growing ivy has three stages: the first year, it sleeps; the second year, it creeps; and the third year, it leaps. That’s exactly how middle school unfolds for many children. The first year they’re trying to figure out how to grow in the very different academic and social soil of middle school. The second year of middle school they’ll usually creep forward and at least move in the right direction. Finally, eighth grade often brings greater confidence and steady growth, all just in time to get ready for the challenge of high school.

Of course, the better prepared you are for these stages, the more you’ll be able to help your children not just survive middle school, but thrive. These tips will help you get ready, Mom.

Tip 1: Get to know your new child.
The little girl or boy of the elementary years is a new creature entirely when they enter sixth grade. Not only are there physical changes and hormonal shifts that are beyond their control, there is also a shifting school landscape they’re trying to navigate. While they’re adjusting, you might see new sides to your child you didn’t even know existed. Your serious little student might change into a child that craves social approval. Your outgoing and confident child might suddenly become more quiet and unsure of himself.
My daughter, an excellent student in elementary school, cried to me one day that she no longer wanted to be known as a kid who was “into the books.” I felt like saying, “What do you mean? Being a good student is a wonderful thing!” But instead, I held back and let her pursue her different path—up to a point. She did focus less on academics and tried to gain entry into the popular crowd. When that didn’t succeed, she spent almost her entire seventh-grade year in a slump. It wasn’t until the end of seventh grade when she had matured a bit that she turned back to her studies and made friends with a new group who were also motivated to do well. Now that she’s in eighth grade, she’s doing well in the classroom and socially. My job during this time was to let her try out this new persona while standing by ready to swoop in if things got out of hand.

Tip 2. Get to know your new role.
The above story about my daughter illustrates the need for mothers of middle schoolers to be less involved in the day-to-day directing of their children’s choices. Developmental psychologist Jean Piaget found that children in the middle school years are learning to think abstractly. As moms, letting our children work through situations on their own helps them develop the skills they’ll need as adults to factor long-term consequences into their choices. And while our children are growing more independent, we need to ponder. 
But don’t step out of your child’s life too much. You still need to be there for him as a sounding board and a guide. The ideal parenting style for middle schoolers is the authoritative approach. It allows for more dialogue between parent and child, rather than a “do this because I said so” approach. 

Tip 3. Get to know your child’s new world.
When my daughter was in elementary school, I knew her teachers very well. Now that she has six different teachers, I’m less familiar with them. Same goes with the children in her grade. As more and more new students have started attending her school, there are lots of kids and families I don’t know at all. So I’m having to work harder at getting to know the world my child now lives in.

iMOM Director Susan Merrill says, “Moms need a “mom mafia” —a network of other moms who share information with each other about what’s going on in their children’s lives and at their children’s school. Get to know other moms and encourage them to be open with you about what they’ve heard, and you do the same. Confidentiality is important. Also reach out to your children’s teachers as needed, but make sure your children don’t know about it. Step in when necessary to supplement your child’s efforts, but let them think they’re taking the lead. Of course, you always want them to know that they can turn to you for anything and that you’ll help them figure things out. What advice do you have for moms of middle school kids?


Monday, January 25, 2016

JANUARY 25 - 29

3 Tough Love Parenting Strategies
The ultimate goal is for your children to impose a little tough love, self-discipline, on themselves down the road: to get out of bed each day and report to work, to pass on that dessert and hit the gym, to manage their finances well. Help your child be able to do that by building these 12 Character Traits Every Child Needs to Develop.

As parents, we’re hard wired to protect our children from harm—even from momentary discomfort. But sometimes those moments of disappointment or frustration are necessary to drive home important lessons. For some strong-willed children, nothing but tough love gets through. Here are some ways you might use tough love to overcome problems with your kids. Try these 3 Tough Love Parenting Strategies to help them master new skills, gain self-discipline, and learn important lessons through natural consequences.
1. The forgetful child. If one of yours is the chronic forgetter of homework, leaver of lunch boxes, and loser of jackets, some tough love may be in order. When your child calls in a panic from school to ask you to bring the missing assignment, think long and hard about it—especially if this is a recurring problem. Let him or her take the zero, along with all the standard correction at home that comes with a low grade. Let her go without lunch and be hungry for a few hours. Natural consequences are excellent teachers—let them do their job.

2. The disobedient child. If your child persistently breaks the rules you’ve established for him, you may need to ban the very thing he wants badly enough to disobey. For instance, if you’ve set a limit on video gaming to one hour per day but he ignores it and plays longer, the gaming system probably needs to disappear for a good while. This principle could also be used to make sure that phone usage stays within the boundaries you permit. Your child will learn that the cost of breaking the rules is far greater than the temporary pleasure of breaking them. Not sure which correction is most appropriate? Check out iMOM’s Consequence Calculator for some help in deciding.

3. The lazy child. We all have one kid or more who absolutely hates chores, or work of any kind. This is another instance where the antidote may be that the very thing she’s trying to avoid only grows when she ignores it. For every chore that’s skipped, another gets added to the list. If the chores are not done by a set time, privileges are lost (hanging out with friends, using technology) until the work is done. Help your child stay on track with one of our printable chore and responsibility charts. There are different versions appropriate for different ages.

The greatest challenge in tough love parenting is overcoming your own angst. We, as parents, love to see a report card with straight A’s, so forcing a child to eat the zero and deal with the consequences makes us uncomfortable. We hate the hassle of taking away privileges and devices, and we don’t exactly enjoy the process of policing household chores. But that’s parenting. A job that, by its very definition, is inconvenient when done right. But your children are worth it and the consequences they (and you) suffer now to learn the lessons needed are far less damaging and permanent than the ones they’ll endure to learn these things as adults.

© 2013 iMOM. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.


Taken from: http://www.imom.com/3-tough-love-parenting-strategies/ 

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

JANUARY 4 - 8

WELCOME BACK AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

10 Things Your Family Can Focus on in the New Year
The beauty of a New Year can be summed up in two words—fresh start. And what better way to freshen up your family’s life than to really focus on the habits and attitudes that can make a difference?
We’ve come up with 10 things your family can focus on in the New Year. You can use our list in many ways. You can focus on a different item monthly; just write out the list on slips of paper and let your kids choose one at the first day of every month. Or, you can try to hit several a month, giving each day of the week a “focus emphasis.”
We think these are the best New Year’s resolutions for families, and we’re going to try them too.

1. More Mealtimes.

This is a biggie. From it flows so much that can benefit your family: time together face to face, the chance to read your child, opportunity to pass on your values to your child, healthier eating. All of that by just sitting down to eat a meal together. These 5 ideas for making family meals happen can help. 

2. More Thankfulness.

Study after study shows that thankfulness breeds contentment and dispels depression. Make 2016 a year of thanksgiving. Put a chalkboard in your kitchen where everyone can write what they’re thankful for. Or, keep a gratitude journal. You can get the thankful vibe going with these99 things to be thankful for about your husband and your children.

3. More Helpfulness.

Chores now build strong adults later. {Tweet ThisUse our Chore Chart to get your kids (and you!) in the habit of doing chores. They’ll gain a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. You’ll gain some needed help around the house!

4. More Laughter.

Look for ways to laugh as a family. Watch a comedy instead of an action movie. Watch old home videos.  Start a joke-a-week tradition.

5. More Skills.

Let everyone choose a new skill or talent to learn in 2016. How about a new language? Crochet, archery, or writing poetry? Have a family brainstorm and see what everyone comes up with.

6. More Love.

Think of a “love project” for 2016. Maybe you can focus on the elderly at church, new moms, or neighbors you don’t know. This Love Your Child Challenge will put you in the right frame of mind, mom.

7. More Sleep.

Another simple idea that has a big payoff. Try it. You’ll find that your family will be less grouchy, kinder, and more loving to each other.

8. More Surprises.

Have a different surprise captain each month. Let them plan out at least one surprise for the family—a fun-themed meal, a picnic, a family outing. You can use our secret pal cards to spur ideas.

9. More Patience.

Talk about how great it would be if everyone in your family could show each other more patience this year. Put a big P on the wall in the kitchen to remind everyone that patience is important in your home.

10. More Memories.

Make a big deal out of memory making. When you do something as a family, document it and celebrate it with a night to look at photos, mementos, or just talk about your adventures—whether big or small.


Monday, December 14, 2015

DECEMBER 14 - 16

FOR GRADES 9 - 12 ONLY:

Monday,
December 14
Tuesday, December 15
Wednesday, December 16
8:00 – 10:00
Math
Spanish
Science
BREAK
BREAK
BREAK
10:30 – 12:30
Language Arts
Social Studies

Monday, December 7, 2015

DECEMBER 7 - 11

10 TIPS TO INCREASE SELF CONFIDENCE IN TEENAGERS

Teenage is like a twilight zone, because your darling now is neither a child nor an adult. Most teenagers are confused, insecure and conscious about themselves during their teens.

What should be done to help teenagers in such a crucial phase?

As a parent, you are the one, who can tremendously help increase your teenager’s self confidence. How you mould your teenager today will decide the course of his or her life tomorrow. It is, therefore, extremely important to build a positive self esteem in your teenager.

What Is Self Confidence?

It is no secret that self confidence proves to be the most important key to one’s success in life. Self confidence is how one feels about himself or herself.
It affects the way one acts in public.
Also it clearly reflects the way one conducts himself or herself.
A healthy sense of one’s self plays a crucial role in forming one’s overall personality.
A positive development of one’s self confidence directly affects one’s happiness quotient.

Why Is Self Confidence Necessary In Teenagers?

Self confidence gives a teenager the ability to face life, its challenges, uncertainty and even tackle disappointments, ups and downs of life better.
Relations, emotions, peer pressure, competition and expectations, together these things can play havoc on a teenager’s self confidence.
A positive self esteem can help a teenager go out and conquer his or her aims and goals in life.
It helps him build better bonds, relations and be a happy and mentally strong person.

Parents’ Role In Increasing Teenagers’ Self Confidence:

Of all people, parents are the most important when it comes to building self confidence in teenagers. Your support in building confidence in teens can go a long way in molding his personality.
Your actions and words impact your teenager the most.
How you feel about them and how you make them feel about themselves directly affects their level of self confidence.
The way you treat them also sets a benchmark about how others should treat your teenager.

10 Tips On How To Increase Self Confidence In Teenagers:

Teenage is where a child is molded into an adult. It is such a sensitive process that only the parents have the tools (such as patience and courage!) to do it. Here are some of the easiest and useful tips on increasing your teenager’s self confidence.

1. Show Respect:
Do not forget – your teenager is not a child anymore and is a near-adult, and as such, deserves respect just like any other adult.
When you address your teenager, always show respect. Do not let disdain or contempt show in your tone!
Always treat their problems and fears with importance. Never shun off your teenager’s fears as a childhood worry.

2. Praise Often:
You must praise your teenager often. Be generous with your compliments.
When you praise your teenager for something good they did, it boosts their confidence in heaps and bounds. It encourages them to do even better next time.
Always express yourself and let them know how good and proud you feel to have them as your kid.

3. Avoid Criticism:
Try and avoid criticizing as much as you can. Criticism can be detrimental for your teenager’s self confidence.
If you disapprove or dislike something that involves your teen, take time to sit with them and talk it out.
Teenagers often take criticism as ridicule or shame. At times, when criticism is unavoidable, watch your tone.

4. Encourage Extra Curricular Activities:
Let your teenager follow his hobbies.
Encourage him to participate in more and more activities. It is important for your teenager to excel at anything he likes and enjoys.
Extracurricular activities prove to be great opportunities for learning about success, failure, challenges and they add a great deal to your teenager’s confidence.
These activities build a positive team spirit in your teenager and help him learn about working together towards a common goal.

5. Support Optimistic Friendships:
We know you cannot possibly control, pick and choose the kind of friends your teenager will make. Teach him about respect and acceptance.
Mutual understanding and respect in any relation is important. Teach him that value is what matters between friends.
The kind of friends your teenager makes also affects his self confidence. Teach him ways to differentiate between good and fair weather friends.

6. Looks Do Not Matter:
Most teenagers fall under peer pressure. To them looks matter a lot. They crave to look like models and celebs and inability to do so affects their self confidence immensely.
It is important to sit and explain to your teenager that looks do not matter.
What matters is good manners, hygiene, healthy mind and body.

7. Focus On Strengths:
Teach your teenager that he should focus more on strengths. Never compare your teenager to his peers, friends, siblings and cousins.
Your teen should realize how different people have different strengths. Comparison creates rivalry.
Make your teenager understand that his only competition is with himself. And the best way to do even better is to focus on strengths.

8. Teach Them To Be Stronger :
Teach your teenager to build some tolerance level towards teasing or heckling. Teasing affects every teenager’s self confidence.
A good rule in life is grin and bears it. Your teenager must learn to tolerate negative emotions to some extent, without losing his cool
Your teenager must know that teasing cannot hurt and it should in no way affect his self confidence.

9. Look For Professional Help:
If your teenager suffers from severe lack of confidence and it is starting to affect his academic and/or social life, you may need help from external sources.
Initially, you can try for family counseling with your teen’s favorite relatives.
If the above does not work, it is best to seek professional help, which might uncover the real issue behind this lacking and help your teenager come out of it.

10. Be Your Teenager’s Support:
You probably don’t even realize how small gestures and the little things you say and do in regular life boosts your teenager’s self confidence. Your teenager must know that you are always there for him, no matter what.
Your support can act as a catalyst as far as your teenager’s self confidence is concerned.

The moment your teenager knows he has someone to rely on, to fall back upon; he can face his life with even more confidence and strength.
Deal every difficulty politely and positively when it comes to your teenager. Remember, this is just a phase and it shall pass on soon.
Teenage issues and angst are a part of your teenager’s growing up process. So be patient and help your teenager.


Taken from: http://www.momjunction.com/articles/tips-to-increase-self-confidence-in-teenagers_0081604/