United Parenting: Overcoming Challenges, Preventing Disagreements Wednesday 20th January
Being a parent is one of the most important jobs there is However, whilst being one of the most rewarding it can, at times, also be one of the most difficult. It is therefore no surprise that at some point most couples have differing opinions about aspects of parenting and recognising when and how to compromise goes a long way towards harmonious relationships. The pandemic is affecting every aspect of life and parenting in particular and the aim of this workshop is to help strengthen parenting partnerships by exploring common parenting challenges, old and new, to raise awareness and understanding of why they arise and identify ways to avoid or overcome them. Join me for a motivational, solution-focussed session that will include: ● Talking it out ● Creating rules together ● Supporting each other ● United front ● Flexibility ● Forgiveness To reserve your place please email Sally Sharp on ssharp@edgegrove.com by 5.00pm on Tuesday 19th January confirming the name of your child and the session you would like to attend: Upper School Parents: 9.00am - 9.45am Middle School Parents: 10.15am - 11.00am Lower School Parents: 11.30am - 12.15pm Pre Prep Parents: 1.00pm - 1.45pm Sessions will take place via Google Meet, and the joining code will be forwarded with your booking confirmation. With very best wishes. Sally Sharp Head of Wellbeing
Empathy - The Foundation of Kindness
Kindness and compassion are qualities to be proud of and ones that we hope to instil in children, but achieving this goal requires more than asking them to do nice things for others - truly kind people are motivated by feelings of empathy.
Empathy is at the heart of good relationships of any kind, and begins with valuing other perspectives and others. When we can see things from another person’s perspective and understand how they may be feeling, we are truly empathetic. Thankfully this central component of emotional intelligence can be taught, and the most effective way to cultivate empathy in children, and adults alike, is by talking about why it is important and exhibiting the behaviour we would like to see. Modelling Empathising with children helps develop trusting, secure attachments and encourages adoption of our values and behaviour. Actively listen, connect with the thoughts, feelings and actions of your children and the wider community to help them recognise the benefits and to learn to do the same. Care and Compassion Helping children recognise the needs of others assists their ability to put themselves into someone else’s ‘shoes’. The ability to understand and connect with the perspective of others helps children to show care and compassion and supports informed decision making. Opportunity and Encouragement Provide opportunities to practice empathy. Just like learning other skills, it requires practice and guidance.
Empathy is a valuable life skill that children are never too young to learn and a skill that they will reap the benefits of in all areas of life, now and for years to come. Sally Sharp Head of Wellbeing