Thursday, May 31, 2007

Stop, Breathe and Think

Experts are quick to tell parents that too much television is bad for kids. And generally speaking, I will agree. But once in awhile, a television show offers more than entertainment, it offers some good advice.

Today on Blue's Clues, Steve helped his friends deal with frustration. It's a very common occurance for children. Every day, children face several frustrating situations because they are still developing basic problem solving skills. Steve's formula to deal with frustration?: Stop, Breathe and Think. Three simple steps to help work through any problem. Simple enough for even a child to understand.

The basic idea of Steve's advice is for kids to learn at an early age that by slowing down, they are more in control of their thoughts, as well as their actions. This process helps children develop their problem solving skills, and self-dependence. What a great lesson! A lesson that even adults can live by.

The next time you are faced with a frustration situation, (like your kids are driving your crazy), take a lesson from Steve: Stop, Breathe and Think. It just might work.