Tag: self control

Posted in All About Self Control, Just Talkin'

Summer Fun: Games That Build Self-Control

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Summer is officially here, and with it comes longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of opportunities for fun! While it’s great to let kids run wild and burn off energy, remember that summer is also a fantastic time to subtly teach important life skills. One of the most valuable lessons you can impart is self-control.

Self-control isn’t just about good behavior; it’s a foundational skill that helps kids succeed in school, navigate social situations, and thrive in various environments. Think about it: sitting still in a classroom, waiting patiently at a restaurant, or being quiet during a church service all require a good dose of self-control.

The good news? You don’t need a textbook or a lecture to teach this! Many classic games are perfect for helping kids practice sitting still, being quiet, and managing their impulses. These aren’t just fun ways to pass the time; they’re powerful tools for developing crucial self-regulation skills.

Here are a few ideas for games that encourage stillness and quiet, perfect for those moments when you need a little calm amidst the summer excitement:

Hide-and-Seek

This timeless favorite is brilliant for fostering self-control. While one person counts, the hiders must find a spot and then remain absolutely still and silent, no matter how tempting it is to giggle or move. The thrill of not being found reinforces the importance of quiet and stillness.

Freeze Dance

Turn on some music and let your kids dance their hearts out. But when the music stops, they have to freeze in whatever position they’re in! This game challenges them to stop their bodies instantly and hold still until the music starts again. It’s a fantastic way to practice quick transitions and physical restraint.

Statues (or Red Light, Green Light)

Similar to freeze dance, the “Statues” game involves striking a pose and holding it perfectly still. You can call out different statue themes (e.g., “animal statues,” “sports statues”) to add to the fun. “Red Light, Green Light” is another variation where kids run on “green light” and must freeze immediately on “red light.” These games are excellent for practicing impulse control and physical stillness.

Incorporating these types of games into your summer routine provides a playful yet effective way to build essential self-control. Not only will you be creating lasting memories, but you’ll also be equipping your children with skills that will benefit them for years to come. So, this summer, embrace the quiet moments and play your way to better self-control!

Posted in Just Talkin'

A Call to Radical Love: Praying for Our Political Opponents

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

In these divisive times, it’s easy to feel the pull of anger, resentment, and even animosity towards those on the “other side” of the political spectrum. The news cycle, social media, and even everyday conversations can fuel a sense of “us vs. them.” But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard, a more profound way of living that transcends earthly divisions.

Let’s turn to the challenging yet transformative words of Jesus in Luke 6:28-30 (English Standard Version):

“bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.”

What is God trying to tell us here? This passage is a radical call to agape love – an unconditional, self-sacrificing love that extends far beyond natural human affection or reciprocity. It’s about responding to hostility with grace, to injustice with generosity, and to anger with prayer.

Consider the profound implications for our political landscape:

  • For Black Christians who feel the sting of injustice: Perhaps you feel that certain policies or rhetoric from Donald Trump and many Republicans have been unjust, harmful, or dismissive of your experiences. The natural human response might be anger, bitterness, or a desire for retribution. Yet, Jesus calls us to a different path: to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” This doesn’t mean condoning injustice or ignoring wrongdoing. It means choosing to pray for wisdom, compassion, and a change of heart for those you perceive as your political adversaries. It means asking God to work in their lives, to guide them towards righteousness and empathy.
  • For Christian Trump supporters who feel maligned: Conversely, if you are a Christian who staunchly supports Donald Trump and finds yourself frustrated or offended by the words and actions of Democrats, the same scripture applies to you. You are called to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Instead of allowing resentment to fester, pray for Democratic leaders and their constituents. Pray for unity, for understanding, and for God’s will to be done in their lives and in their policies.

The core principle here is revolutionary: Love extends to all, even enemies: True love, as exemplified by God, is not limited to those who are easy to love or who reciprocate our affection. It encompasses those who oppose us, curse us, and harm us.

This isn’t about ignoring the very real issues and disagreements that exist. It’s about approaching them from a spiritual posture rooted in Christ’s teaching. When we pray for those we disagree with, we are not only obeying a direct command from Jesus, but we are also:

  1. Breaking the cycle of animosity: Prayer has the power to transform hearts – theirs and ours. It prevents us from being consumed by bitterness.
  2. Demonstrating God’s character: Our willingness to love and pray for our enemies is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. It shows a world consumed by division that there is another way.
  3. Trusting in God’s sovereignty: We acknowledge that ultimate justice and change belong to God. We release our need for immediate vindication and trust in His perfect timing and plan.

So, no matter where you stand on the political spectrum, and no matter how deeply you feel wronged or misunderstood by the “other side,” let us commit to the radical act of prayer. Let us choose to bless rather than curse, to pray rather than retaliate. In doing so, we not only honor Christ but also become instruments of healing and reconciliation in a world desperately in need of both.

Let’s begin today. Who will you pray for, even if it feels difficult, even if it feels counterintuitive?

Posted in Just Talkin'

Make Right Choices?

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Good Morning Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers! I just realized that right choices are totally in relation to what you are taught. For some the choice to make somebody hits them, is to hit back. For others, the right choice is to walk away and get help. However, they both could’ve used the method of Stop, Think, and Breathe and Make the Right Choice. There people who feel like the right choice is to steal if it keeps them starving or if they feel like the person they stole from won’t miss it. It’s all relative. It seems every situation has its own right and wrong choices. Maybe should say right and different choices. So I think 🤔 when deciding whether a choice is right or wrong, We should look at the consequences. Which opens a whole set of choices.

I wish could make an app for kids and adults where they could put in their scenario, and the app would give them the best out of 3 choices. Sometimes people need a little push in the right direction.

Daily Affirmations: Today is an Amazing day. I feel great. I’m glad to be alive. My choices lead me to a better life. I am a decisive person. I love who I am. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in All About Self Control

Know When To Stop

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

In teaching and re-teaching behavior, we should teach our children the right time to Stop. Before every destructive behavior, there is always a time to stop and think!

It’s important to teach or children to listen to their inner voice

Simon the Self Control Seal says Stop, Think, and Breathe and Make the Right Choice

The first step is knowing when to stop!

Posted in All About Self Control

An Outside of the Box Teacher!

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Good Morning Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers! I only taught as a classroom teacher for year. When I did, I tried to make sure that every activity was exciting so that if students had to sit out they would be upset. Can you imagine tell students they won’t be able to participate in math, and they get angry? Not that we want to make our students angry. But we want them so excited to be a part of whatever we’re doing in class that day.

In order to do that, we have to think out of the box. Math Baseball, Vocabulary Basketball, Dictionary Races, duck, duck spell, these are just some the things I did with my students. We would move the desk and put mats on the floor and lay down to read. We marked any words we didn’t know, then used the thesaurus to break it down. Then make vocabulary flash cards for Vocabulary Basketball. There were days we worked right on through special area. We even missed recess, and no one said anything. That was an Awesome year!

In guiding our students to be self corrected students, teachers and parents must think outside the box. Students will do amazing things for you when they know that you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone for them!

Teacher Affirmations: Today is the Best day of my life. I live in a safe and secure world. People always helpful. My classroom is filled with excitement and joy. Learning is always in progress. I think outside of the box. I am healthy, wealthy, whole and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in All About Self Control

Feeling Good About Self Control!

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Good Morning Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers! Teaching our students self control is one of the most important lessons you could ever teaching. This involves teaching our children to think about what they think about!

Many articles compare the benefits of self control versus self esteem. However, I see it as being directly correlated. Students who know how to control themselves almost always have a high self esteem. Children who lack self control normally are the ones who are being constantly redirected, which doesn’t always make us feel good. While those who control themselves get complimented constantly, which feels good.

Let’s think intrinsically. How many times have you gone on a diet or said you were going to stop smoking? Then 3 or 4 days in you have let your self down due to lack of self control. You normally feel horrible. Now how many time have you set your mind to accomplish a goal and actually accomplished it? After which you feel excited and confident. The same is with self control. Every time student get the victory over themselves, they become stronger.

Help our students feel good about themselves by instilling the habit of self control.

Daily Affirmations: Today is a Fabulous day. I sprinkle love, joy, and peace into every corner of my classroom. I am controlling myself more and more. I teach self control to my children and it boost their self esteem. I am an Awesome educator! I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove