Tips for Awareness
A quick guide for educators, parents, and individuals on teaching and practicing awareness
How To Teach Awareness
1. Be the role model
If you feel yourself becoming angry or excited, take a moment to pause. By being aware of your own emotions, you are teaching your child to do the same. This also shows your child that you practice what you preach, encouraging them to take your words more seriously.
2. Acknowledge the child’s emotions & empathize with them
This will teach them that their emotions are respected and valued, making them feel heard and understood. This positive feedback to their reflection will encourage them to be more aware of their feelings.
3. Let the child communicate freely
Open communication allows children to verbally recognize and work through their emotions. By creating an atmosphere of acceptance and peace, you give them the chance to authentically reflect rather than speak out of fear. Not only is this great for the moment, but it can also strengthen relationships in the longer term.
4. Encourage your child to reflect
Teach children to reflect on their learning, experiences, and emotions. Prompt reflection with questions such as:
"How has your thinking changed?"
"What did you enjoy the most?"
"Why did you feel this way?"
This practice will normalize reflection for the child, causing them to habitually become more aware of their likes, preferences, and goals.
How To Practice Awareness
• Keep a journal where you write down your goals and priorities
Reflect and write on these goals often to stay aware of your development. Do this if you want to step back and become more aware of the bigger picture in your life.
• Decrease your distractions
This could be monitoring screen time, decluttering your space, or completing tasks you have been procrastinating. Freeing your area will allow you to be more aware and focused on the task at hand.
• Meditate or mindfully reflect
Incorporate this time into your routine to make it a habit. Meditation can make us feel more aware of both ourselves and the world around us.
Thank you for reading! To learn more about awareness and other important character strengths and support Camp Kindness Counts, subscribe to The Power of Kindness and share this article. And remember - even the smallest act of kindness is worthwhile.
Written By: Sonali Agarwal | Camp Kindness Counts Volunteer
Sources
Qamar, Sadiya. “Tips on How to Improve Your Child's Self-Awareness?” MomJunction, 5 Nov. 2019, www.momjunction.com/articles/teach-self-awareness-to-your-child_00359060/#:~:text=How%20To%20Teach%20Self%20Awareness%20For%20Kids%3A%201.,them%2C%20in%20front%20of...%203.%20Empathize%20With%20.