Don’t Give Up!
A printable about not giving up.
Print this page and help children complete it. Remember:
- It’s okay if children see you struggling! Watch this video in which Abby’s mom admitted how she was feeling. Talk through your own challenging moments and how you’re dealing with them (“I’m feeling so frustrated by this traffic jam. I’m going to take three deep breaths,” “Organizing these papers feels like too much for me right now! I’m going to work on them for 10 more minutes, then come back tomorrow when I’m feeling better.”)
- Acknowledge that there are some problems which people disagree about how to fix, and it often takes several tries to get it right. It’s good to keep thinking of more ideas that will work until you find something. For instance, you might say, “I’m so tired after that neighborhood meeting, I’m going to take a break for a half hour before I think about the problem we were trying to solve together.” The bigger the challenge, the more opportunity children may have to learn and remember how you worked through it, especially as part of a team.
- Sticking to a task when it’s hard requires persistence as well as recognizing and managing emotions—help children label their feelings (anger, frustration, disappointment) and let them know that they will not feel that way forever.
- Throughout the day, talk through the small acts of kindness you are doing or planning (“I’m going to get this large bag of rice because it’s on sale, and give half to ____ since they have a harder time getting to the store.”).
Mindful Caregivers
Practicing mindfulness is a great way to slow down and reset.
Mindful Monsters: Self-Love Mantras with Grover
In this podcast, Grover shares some mindful mantras.
Mindful Monsters: Look and Notice with Cookie Monster
Cookie Monster helps children practice mindfulness by looking and listening carefully to their surroundings.
Mindful Monsters: Bubble Breathing with Abby Cadabby
In this podcast, Abby Cadabby guides children through a bubble breathing exercise.
Mindful Monsters: Body Scan with Big Bird
In this podcast, Big Bird guides children through a mindful body scan.
Coming Together Playlist
This curated playlist is perfect for helping children explore friendships, celebrate differences, and build a better future.
Soothe Snuggle Slowdown: Songs and Strategies for Restful Sleep
This curated playlist helps little ones (and their tired grown-ups) relax and unwind! A mix of mellow tunes sets the mood for naps, bedtime… or just some much needed down time.
