by Mannerly Max
Children learning to use 'positive words' make friends more easily. Friendly words, "I Care words" make people feel good. It is difficult to 'over use' Friendly Words. Negative word are hurtful. They are hard to forget and they are not necessary most of the time.
Encourage your child to look for positive, up-beat things to say by:

• being affirmative of others
• being upbeat when talking about things
• staying positive when talking about ideas

Try not make a habit of critizing, complaining or gossiping. Develop the habit of being more accepting, appreciative and curious. If your child is complaining of being bored or that something was boring, ask them to tell you one thing they liked and one thing they didn't like.
Remember, the tone of voice used can communicate as much or more than the words we actually use.

adapted from: 365 Manners Kids Should Know
by: Sheryl Eberly copyright: 2001

Max continues to visit with our students during Bullpup Club each Monday morning. Max is focusing on the:

• Proper way to greet others
• Giving a compliment
• Accepting a compliment
• Apologizing
• Respecting the feelings of others
• Random acts of Kindness

Make a commitment to build your kindergartner’s character
If parents are committed to developing their child’s good character, they’ll get results. That’s what a recent study revealed.

It takes dedication to raise a child with good morals, but it’s worth it. Your child will grow up with a strong moral compass that will serve him well in school and in life.

To build your child’s character:

Explain to your child why you make certain decisions. Talk about the values—such as tolerance and generosity—that guide your decisions.
Focus on morals in daily activities. Incorporate the ideals of honesty and respect into dinner conversations with your child.
Catch your child showing good character. Tell him you’re proud of him for telling the truth or working hard to finish a task.
Reprinted with permission from the April 2008 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Early Childhood Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2008 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Marvin Berkowitz, “Character Must Matter to Parent First, ” Topeka: City of Character, The Topeka Capital-Journal, www.cjonline.com/stories/081201/opi_berkowitz.shtml.