January
Talk about New Year’s resolutions.
Start each day with a brief check-in with each child or student. Encourage them to share something they’re looking forward to or a goal they have. These small interactions help build trust and let children know they’re valued.
February
Encourage understanding and kindness.
Read stories about kindness or role-play empathy scenarios. Talk about feelings and encourage them to consider how others might feel in different situations. This strengthens emotional intelligence.
March
Encouraging positive self-talk.
Encourage children to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Help them create simple, empowering statements like “I am capable” or “I can try my best.” Model positive self-talk in your interactions.
April
Modeling resilience.
Share stories of overcoming challenges, whether personal or from familiar tales. Emphasize the importance of persistence and learning from mistakes, reinforcing that resilience is a valuable tool for life.
May
Teaching self-regulation.
Encourage children to use a “pause” technique when they feel frustrated or upset. Guide them to take deep breaths, count to five, or find a quiet place to reset. Teach that self-regulation is a skill they can develop with practice.
June
Model self-care.
Show your child the importance of self-care by taking care of yourself. Discuss how relaxing, going for walks, or engaging in hobbies helps you recharge. Modeling this behavior teaches children to value their own well-being.
July
Focus on family quality time.
Set aside dedicated family time without screens, like game nights or outdoor activities. These moments help build a sense of belonging and strengthen your family bond.
August
Back-to-school transition support.
Prepare for the school year by talking about routines, setting goals, and discussing any worries they might have. A smooth transition helps children feel more confident and reduces back-to-school stress.
September
Creating a culture of kindness.
Set up a “kindness challenge” where children are encouraged to do small acts of kindness each day. Recognize these acts in subtle ways, like adding stickers to a kindness chart or verbally acknowledging their thoughtfulness.
October
Talk about peer pressure.
Equip children with responses they can use if they feel pressured, such as “No thanks, I don’t feel comfortable with that.” Remind them that they can always seek support from trusted adults if they feel unsure.
November
Practicing gratitude as a family.
Start a “Gratitude Jar” where children can write something they’re thankful for each week. Reflecting on these notes can help them recognize and appreciate positive aspects of their lives.
December
Reflect on successes.
Look back at the year’s achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating wins keeps families motivated and acknowledges the hard work they’ve put into positive change.