You are about to learn a simple concept: THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. This is a term we have heard time and again throughout our lives. Now, it is time to explain it in a way our children can understand.
A think bubble is a commonly used term to describe the thoughts within our brain. Have you ever taken notice of how many thoughts you have throughout the day? It might be during a conversation with a friend, colleague, partner, or parent. You have certain pictures and words or thoughts coming to light during it. Some of them are judgmental, some are helpful, and some can even be hurtful.
As this happens naturally, we may have learned to filter those thoughts to avoid upsetting or hurting someone’s feelings or to observe before responding, but have your kids? Although we have learned these skills throughout our lives, our kids have not.
Before you act, listen.
Before you react, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
—William Arthur Ward
Why Teach?
Teaching your kids to THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK helps them understand how much their words and actions affect others, creating a more empathetic child who is in tune with others' feelings and emotions.
How to Teach:
1. Define: A think bubble is the thoughts in our head no one else can hear.
2. Give Examples: Your friend comes to school with a new pair of shoes you don’t like. Your thought of not liking them goes into your think bubble. What will happen if you say your thought? How will it make your friend feel? Do you want to hurt your friend’s feelings?
4. Visual Cue: Draw a bubble like a cartoon next to your brain, by your ear, to show how your thoughts are coming from their brain, but don’t pop it. Visual cues are great ways to inform your child of a quick change they can make, instead of repeating yourself over and over again.
3. Practice: Use everyday examples to help your child notice when they pop their think bubble. Was it helpful or hurtful?
Our think bubbles are pretty amazing; they help us navigate our day, have conversations, process, understand, and learn. Teach your child how valuable their think bubble is and how they can use it for good.
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