Words Matter

New (school) year, new campaign!� This year, LCS School Counselors are focusing on the power of words. Words students say, words they hear, and words they tell themselves. Our Wo= rds Matter campaign is part of the #IamStronger initiative� that takes place across Central Florida= to help support students, schools, and families in promoting mental health in students and schools. Each month, the Words Matter campaign will promote a = word and lessons that address stronger mental health in schools and families. Lo= ok for ideas throughout the year to support personal growth by focusing on positive qualities and characteristics and how to help develop these in your children.

Words Matter: Attitude=

Our first word to focus on is Attitude, which relates to agility, adaptability, self-awareness and self-management.��

As the new school year begins, it is important to maintain a positive attitude toward school and the opportunities the year will present. How adults talk about school and the school year becomes how children think about it. It is also true that how adults talk to kids strongly influences = how the children talk to themselves. If children hear their teachers and parents experience the world with positive attitudes, they typically develop a simi= lar attitude toward the world.

�Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?�

Dennis & Wendy Mannering

To help children and teens develop and maintain a positive attitude, there are a few things to keep in mind. If your own attitude need= s a reset before addressing your child, consider a prayer or deep cleansing bre= ath to set you on the right track. Helping your children know that life is a process can help them see both positive and negative elements as part of a larger journey. You can help your child turn a negative experience into a positive one by finding a learning experience. Make sure to also highlight learning experiences in positive situations.�

Find times to praise and compliment them when� appropriate,�� especially if you can praise effort a= nd persistence.

Phrase corrections positively by noting what the correct behav= ior or expectation is. Say �At home we use low voices to talk to each other� instead of �Stop yelling in the house!�

With consistent focus on keeping a positive attitude and supporting it in your student, you will see great results!