Parent Cue contributor Leah Jennings writes, "When we help our kids cultivate the skill of noticing others, their needs, and their struggles, we can raise a generation of compassionate adults who are in tune with the big world that exists outside of themselves."
As we move into the second quarter of EQUIP BOYS, our focus shifts from connecting with self (identity and purpose) to connecting with others (emotional regulation and relationships). We'll begin by defining and understanding emotions. However, if there's an overarching goal, it's giving the boys language to identify, communicate, and respond to their feelings. To recognize, as author Aliza Pressman writes in The 5 Principles of Parenting, "All feelings are welcome, all behaviors are not."
- Have your tween/teen complete the first quarter wrap-up exercise to get the most out of where we're headed. Give them some privacy as they're working through it, but at the end, I encourage you to ask what they'd feel comfortable sharing with you.
- Secondly, consider hosting a family movie night screening Inside Out before our next EQUIP BOYS. It's a fun movie to kick off the topic of emotions. I just Googled "Questions to ask after watching Inside Out," and I was not disappointed with the results! (Click HERE for a PDF I found.)
UPDATED:
Over the next three EQUIP BOYS, I'll help the boys navigate the complicated obstacles to self-development and relationships with others and, hopefully, better understand the hierarchies they're either a part of or developing—learning to value connection over dominance.
5:00pm - 5:45pm: Physical activity.
5:46pm - 6:10pm: Mealtime and table talk.
6:11pm - 6:50pm: Discussion of emotions/emotional regulation.
- I'll share a quick talk on the subject followed by a discussion that transitions into a role-playing activity.
6:51pm - 7:00pm: Wrap up and clean up.
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(CLICK HERE) FIRST QUARTER WRAP-UP
Upcoming:
- Sports Night: Friday, March 29th, 5:00pm to 6:30pm, Paia Ballpark.
- EQUIP BOYS: Monday, April 1st, 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Albertsons' home.
- Sports Night: Friday, April 26th, 5:00pm to 6:30pm, Paia Ballpark.
By Request:
- EQUIP BOYS @ Twin Falls. Saturday, April 27th, 10:00am to 12:00pm.
CLICK HERE, then scroll down to answer April's Question of the Month. Mahalo!
