The sounds of cheering on!

What does "cheering on" look like, sound like?  When do we do this?  How do we help children and youth develop needed skills.  ​This info graphic tracks part of the process (from the bottom up):











​







We often do this without being aware of our skill.  Yet in our work with more complex children and youth, this needs to become an intentional practice.

1. Begin with strengths, interest and passions.  This will help get buy in, match the skill needed for this step in development.  It also helps to have similar interests and/or skills in the area of need. 
2. Determine which skills are missing.  Pick one (prioritize).  Provide multiple opportunities for this skill to develop.  Some key thinkers, in social and emotional areas include Michelle Garcia Winner (Social Thinking), Dr. Ross Greene (Lives in the Balance) , Dr. Stuart Ablon (Think Kids) and Dr. Gordon Neufeld (Neufeld Institue)
3. Give those key messages that help in the struggles to learn.  Two key thinkers in this area include   Dr. Carol Dweck (growth mindset)   and Dr. Kristin Neff (self compassion) .
   Found in the infographic above, the messages can include:
   "You are capable."               
   "You can do it!"               
   "Learning something new is brave." 

Finally, include your own gems, from your own struggles and your own learnings.  I like Mark Twain's (Samuel Clemens) "I have found the harder I work, the luckier  I get!"  or my mother's "This, too, shall pass" (when facing difficult moments).

​All the best as you support young ones in their growth!

---