Another very good article that I received in my email today!

        TeachingMoments.com

Subject: Bummer Words

Ever consider that there are words we use everyday that can hold us back from reaching our full potential?

We call them Bummer Words because they often stop us from starting something new  before we even get started. 

The Bummer Words are no, can’t, won’t, never, if, and maybe.  For example, “I’ll never get a good grade on that test,” or “ I’ll try it, but I won’t be any good,” or “If only I was taller.”  These words are negative and can be used as an excuse for not doing something.

Help your child minimize the number of times in a day that they use the Bummer Words – no, can’t, won’t, never, if, and maybe. 

Note: As adults we understand that there are many times when it is necessary to use these words to keep our children safe and to teach them right from wrong.  This Teaching Moment is for those times when you child may be using them as an excuse.

Suggestions:

Make this a fun family or class experience.

• Count the number of times in a day you use the Bummer Words: never, can’t, won’t, if, and maybe.  Make a note of when you are using them and why.
• Resolve to use one less Bummer Word each day.
• Replace them with the positive “I’ll Make It Happen” words:  yes, I can and I will.
• Examples: “I will do that for you,” or “I can turn my homework in on time,” or “Yes, I will study harder for the science test.”
• Expand the exercise by seeing how other people use these words during the course of a day.  Note how people are using these words and why.  Discuss among yourselves what you learned about the use of Bummer Words during normal daily conversations.

Quote for discussion:

“Take charge of your thoughts.”   Plato

Notes:

1.   Please forward this Teaching Moment to your friends.

2.   Reprints - You may reproduce this Teaching Moments in your organization’s

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4.  Please visit our website for easy-to-implement ideas to help children make

      better decisions, increase their academic achievement and build their self-esteem.

John Bishop
Executive Director
Accent On Success
314-664-6110

... Kris ...