Photo credit: Psychiatric Times (http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/)
It is surprising how many shows that are essentially G-rated do this. Shows like Angelina Ballerina, Sofia the First, etc. In most cases the shows try to resolve the characters’ problems in the end so there is a lesson to be learned, but not always.
It got me thinking about how children learn to interact with each other. They mostly learn from watching others in their lives. They absorb the way their caregivers talk to each other, look at each other, and interact with each other. They mimic the types of interactions that the caregivers have with them. In some schools and some homes adults try hard to discuss how to make good choices, be kind etc. However if they are not seeing it and experiencing it the way we are teaching it, it is not going to be learned.
This got me thinking about programs that are run by good-hearted caregivers, but perhaps not professional educators like those at summer camps. It is so important that those individuals get special training on how to create an emotionally safe environment for their campers. There are so many things that camp staff can do and say to prevent bullying from happening at their camps.
This is why I am going to dedicate the month of March to writing pieces and sharing information on the importance of a child’s’ sense of self, sense of emotional safety, and how bullying has long term effects on people.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to train your summer staff to promote a happy , emotionally safe and fun experience for you children then you may want to learn more about my DVD training.