Principal's Message

Habits of Mind: Managing Impulsivity   

In Week Two,  I wrote about Habits of mind and the importance of Costa and Kallic's framework for helping student learning, highlighting persistence as a habit that keeps students focussed at their work has clear benefits, but with so many distractions in life, its sometimes hard to keep at one thing.

It takes considerable discipline to develop the habit of managing impulsivity, but people who do this are able to regulate their ability to focus on reason who reserve judgement, read instructions carefully and plan in ways that allow for smoother paths to outcomes.

We are more like to take impulsive action when we are emotionally heightened, or tired and under pressure. Our children are often affected by the conditions that cause impulsivity, and as they grow and develop, they often lack capacities to self-regulate. As parents and adults, we can help. When you encounter a parenting moment that needs everyone to slow down and focus, try one of the following strategies with your son or daughter.

STAR:

Stop—Count to 10. Take a deep breath. Take a walk.
Think—What is it about this situation that’s causing my feelings
Act—what actions can I take to relieve these feelings?
Reflect—Was this a good solution? What insights have I gained?

SODAS:

Situation—What, where and why is this happening that produces my feelings?
Options—What are my options for actions to take?
Disadvantages—What disadvantages are there with each of these options?
Advantages—What advantages are there with each of these options?
Solutions—What is the best solution for me to take?

Sometimes we all need a moment to strop reframe and reconsider. Give it a go!

Be the light of Christ.