Elmwood Primary School

From the Principal’s Desk 

 Season 1, Volume 3

From the Principal’s Desk:

You may have seen this before.  I saw it recently on WealthLift.  It is nothing new and is floating around the internet.  I do believe there is truth in this.

Titled: The #1 parenting mistake that even the kindest, most well-intentioned parent can make.  Subtitle: You give your child love, praise, attention, treats, etc. You’re doing everything right…so why… do they expect MORE and APPRECIATE less?

It’s not love or attention that spoils kids.  It’s the lack of friction. Some modern parents try to remove every obstacle for their children.  I have been guilty of this myself at times…trying to remove every obstacle or bad feeling so my child did not have to feel pain.  It is in some painful moments or overcoming obstacles that we build GRIT or PERSISTENCE. A child who never struggles becomes an adult who cannot cope.

This article gave three tips on how to raise a child that has some grit or knows how to persevere through difficult times

Number One - It is okay to tell your child “no” (and stick with it even when they try to wear you down).  This can build emotional muscles.  If they never face resistance, they’ll never learn RESILIENCE.  Some of the moments my kids have had to pick themselves up from - failing on a test (or course), struggling at a task that another can do easily, not getting the part they wanted in a play, not getting the internship they wanted, someone breaking their heart.  As they grow, children will begin to understand that not every effort results in a trophy or immediately getting what they want. If they have faced a few “no’s” along the way they will learn how to regulate their emotions and move on.

Number Two - Praise effort, not outcome.  When we praise effort instead of outcome, we help children build a love for learning and the confidence to keep trying—even when things get tough. Instead of saying, “You’re so smart” try, “I love how hard you worked on that.” This kind of encouragement teaches kids that success comes from persistence and practice, not just natural talent. Over time, they learn to value growth and resilience, which sets them up for lifelong learning and persistence.  It rewires their brain to value growth over validation.

Number Three - Delay gratification on purpose.  Even tiny waits can make a difference and help children understand that life is not Disneyland fun all of the time.  School and work are not always fun.Life moves in ebbs and flows. There will be times filled with fun and adventure, and other times that feel more ordinary—work, rest, repeat.   A little boredom can help children learn how to occupy their mind, fostering creativity, curiosity, problem solving and play.

PBIS Indian of the Month: “Lead”

Each month, our classroom teachers nominate one student who has done an outstanding job demonstrating our school’s PBIS expectation of the month. These students serve as positive role models for their classmates and help create a caring and respectful school community.

For October, our focus word was “Lead.” Teachers were looking for students who showed leadership by making responsible choices, setting a good example for others, and lending a helping hand when someone needed it.

We’re proud of our students who rise to the challenge each month and model what it means to live out our PBIS expectations. Congratulations to all of our October Indians of the Month; Parker Murdick, Abby Miron, Kyler Biss, Lynnae Haggard, Avery Rigali, Cameron Smith, Reagan Gaetano, Braxton, Michaud, Rose Trueblood, Ellie Stevenson, Caden Clarkson, Zeke DeRose, Eleanor Turner, Warner Walter, Odeyah McGee, Lilly-Anna Lutz, Finley Griffo, Leah Quatman, Olivia Gowanlock, Kai Downing, Charity Herrera, Ivolyn Howe, Olivia Lamb. 

Looking ahead, November’s focus word will be “Advocate.” We’ll be celebrating students who use their voices to speak up for themselves and others in positive and respectful ways.

Upcoming Events: