Bothwell Counselor Corner

From Character Lab:

Creativity

Thinking of novel solutions

Strength of mind

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

—Maya Angelou

Why does creativity matter?

When you approach life with a creative attitude, you are more open to new ideas and possibilities, better able to understand others’ perspectives, and more likely to seek out multiple solutions to problems. Despite the stereotype of the mad genius, everyday creativity is just as important. You can use it to help you improve your mood and cope with stress, feel more connected with other people and the world—and even help you find meaning and purpose in life.

Pulse Check

Think about yourself. How many of these things are true?

• I often seek out novel experiences and ways of doing things.
• I like to think of different ways to reach my goals.
• I often make decisions that take me outside my comfort zone.
• I have a playful attitude toward learning something new.
• I enjoy connecting the dots between seemingly different perspectives and thoughts.

How do I encourage creativity in others?

Model it. Try new experiences and look for new ways of seeing things. Be flexible in your path to reaching a goal: “I thought I knew how to perform this cello concerto, but in hearing how it sounds, I realize I need to try a different approach.” Rather than focus on completing a task, think of all the different ways you might accomplish the same goal—or even question why you are doing it.

Celebrate it. Appreciate creative thinking in others: “I didn’t think of that idea, but it really works.” Look for examples of creativity among exemplary artists, scientists, and leaders throughout history or in your local community, and talk about them to your family, friends, and students.

Enable it. Ask open-ended questions. Point out that there usually isn’t a single straightforward answer to any complex problem: “Let’s come up with as many different possible solutions as we can.” Allow time for mind-wandering, play, and daydreaming. It is easy to get stuck in the same routine every day, so help the young people in your life find even small ways to shake things up.

Please access the link below to sign-up to be a BOBCAT DAD for Bothwell!

NEW DATES FOR SECOND SEMESTER HAVE BEEN ADDED!

Parents Books: I have several of these titles that I have read and relied on through the years.

The Whole-Brain Child by Drs. Dan Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson

No-Drama Discipline by Drs. Dan Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson

Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Dr. Dan Siegel

Parenting from the Inside Out by Dr. Dan Siegel & Mary Hartzell

The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D.

The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey

Mindful Parenting for ADHD by Mark Bertin, M.D.

The Mindful Child by Susan Kaiser Greenland

Brain-Based Parenting: The Neuroscience of Caregiving for Healthy Attachment by Daniel Hughes and Jonathan Baylin

The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel, Ph.D.

I Love You Rituals by Becky A. Bailey

Every Day Blessings, The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn

Sitting Still Like a Frog by Eline Snell

Touchpoints – Birth to Three and Touchpoints – Three to Six by T. Berry Brazelton

The Irreducible Needs of Children by T. Berry Brazelton

The Attachment Parenting Book: A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby by Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears

Links below are great resources to help support your child at home. I am also happy to help and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Texas school counselors follow the Texas School Model for Counseling. You can access the link below to learn more about our program guidelines. All lessons that are presented follow the required TEKS to ensure student success.

https://www.celinaisd.com/our-departments/counseling-wellness

I encourage to reach out anytime if you have questions, concerns or a need. I am here to serve our Bothwell community.

Phone: 469-742-9108

Email: tiffanyragland@celinaisd.com