Teaching Life & Back-to-School Skills to Kids With Dr. Rosina McAlpine! by Donna John

Just in time for back-to-school season, we talked with Dr. Rosina McAlpine, creator of the Win Win Parenting program, at the #30SecondMom Twitter chat. Dr. Rosina shared tips about the life skills and personal qualities kids need for a successful, happy and fulfilling life – and showed us how we, as busy parents, can help teach these skills. 

Q. What are key life skills and personal qualities kids need for a successful, happy and fulfilling life?
Self-esteem, resilience, adaptability, love of learning, communication skills, healthy living, relationship building and money skills. Skills that help kids make the most of life. Belief in self, good work ethic, managing emotions and behaviors. Life has ups and downs. Kids need persistence and resilience to achieve success. Help them not give up when things get tough.

@DrRosina Important to FOCUS on the POSITIVE....my "2nd parents" didn't allow negative talk :) #30secondmom

— Toni B (@rychepet) August 18, 2016

Q. School teaches academics and kids should learn life skills at home, but as busy parents, how do we go about teaching them?
First, set the example. Be a role model. "Do as I say and not as I do" does not work! Incorporate life lessons in everyday activities and don't take for granted that your kids are picking it all up. Talk about it! Same as with academics – take a long-term approach. Teach life skills over many years when age appropriate.

@DrRosina #30secondmom it's so scary when they are away and the world can break everything we as #parents try to build

— Chefgigi (@chefgigi) August 18, 2016

Q. Give us an example of how to help develop health and well-being awareness in kids.
Spend quality time with your kids in the kitchen preparing meals together. Explain food groups and healthy eating. Exercise together. Help kids be aware of their own emotional health. Discuss feelings and positive ways to relieve stress.

@chefgigi @DrRosina @tweenspot this is my biggest pet peeve! Not everyone is a #winner #30SecondMom

— Chrissy Jones (@CYJones30) August 18, 2016

Q. Emotional health and self-esteem are important. But how do parents' support that development? Should we use praise?
Self-esteem is a child’s judgement about themselves. Praise is about a parent’s judgment of the child so it may not be the way to go. Help children to see themselves in positive light rather than rely on external praise. Ask, “Did you enjoy doing that?”

@rychepet Great question. Brag board etc...great if it is to inspire positive action and courage 2 continue when times get tough#30secondmom

— Dr Rosina McAlpine (@DrRosina) August 18, 2016

Q. What other ways can parents support children to develop their own personal power?
Help children be aware of their self-talk. Do they say, "I’m dumb?" Or do they say, "OK, I need to learn more?" Teach kids growth mindset: consistent effort is key to success. Discourage a fixed mindset, “I’m either smart/dumb.”

@DrRosina yes. Accept who you are and if you need to change and grow, you can. As fast or slow as they need #30SecondMom

— healthy fit with jen (@JFoYoHealth) August 18, 2016

Q. Back to school is soon. How can life skills approach help parents and kids?
Together, identify skills kids need and practice beforehand. How to manage the day. What to do if things go wrong? Ask kids what they’re worried about regarding back to school. Brainstorm solutions and coping strategies together. Assure kids you love them and are there to help overcome the challenges life brings – even the dreaded back-to-school challenges.

@chefgigi @DrRosina The power of the mind.......it's like a train....sometimes you have to flip the switch & take another track #30SecondMom

— Toni B (@rychepet) August 18, 2016

Such a great #TwitterChat w my squad over #30secondmom it's over now but I feel so great I'm refusing 2 leave! #MomsSupportingMoms

— Chefgigi (@chefgigi) August 18, 2016

@elisatalk @DrRosina #30secondmom Oh thank you. So glad to be part of this awesome community. Really enjoy these mid-weeks chat. Lift me up!

— lorri langmaid (@lorri1956) August 18, 2016

Be sure to follow  @WinWinParenting, @DrRosina, visit WinWinParenting.com to learn about her 12-month online parenting program, follow her on Facebook and visit her 30Second Mom page!

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