Just ask the GIRL SCOUTS:

 Turns out it’s more important to be kind than to be happy! At least, we know, that being “kind” is more likely to come first.

Research suggests that caring, respectful and responsible adults are the ones who live the happiest and most successful lives … and even make the most money.

Given this, GIRL SCOUTS may have an edge. They are encouraged to improve the world around them from the time they join as “Daisies,” in kindergarten and first grade.

They are taught to cooperate, how to resolve conflicts… and how to sell cookies. Probably by now, you’ve been solicited… the girls take their cookie sales very seriously.

Hope you’ve got yours… THIN MINTS are still the best… especially if you freeze them. There’s even a new “S’MORES” cookie which is worth checking out.

It’s true. Statistics show that regardless of socio-economics, GIRL SCOUT alumnae end up with an extra dose sense of self and a responsibility to give back and help those around them… forever.

You might say they are working on increasing their “EMOTIONAL IQ”. It’s good news that at opposed to other measures of cognitive “IQ,” “EMOTIONAL IQ’S” can be altered.

Think about “EMOTIONAL IQ” as having to do with how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions that achieve positive results.

You must agree we share a responsibility to help our kids be all they can be.

Richard Weissbourd, a Harvard psychologist with the graduate school of education, runs the MAKING CARING COMMON project, also aimed to help teach kids to be kind.

What a shame that about 80 percent of the youth in his study, claimed their parents seemed more concerned with their achievement or personal happiness than whether they cared for others.

WEISSBOURD says, “Children are not born simply good or bad and we should never give up on them. They need adults who will help them become caring, respectful, and responsible for their communities at every stage of their childhood.”

He counsels that teaching “nice” skills” will help them to lead happier and most successful lives.

THINK ABOUT THIS:

  1. Kids need to learn to balance their needs with the needs of others, whether it’s passing the ball to a teammate or deciding to stand up for friend who is being bullied.
  2. Kids need to be taught to be respectful of others even when they are tired or in a bad mood.
  3. Kids need to practice caring for others and expressing gratitude for those who care for them and contribute to others’ lives.
  4. Learning gratitude is like learning to play a sport or learn an instrument… it requires practice.
  5. Children learn by listening and watching their parent’s behavior.
  6. Watching out for opportunities to demonstrate acts of kindness in the presence of your kids is a good idea.
  7. Talking to your kids about caring and uncaring acts they see on television and about acts of justice and injustice they might witness or hear about in the news works too.
  8. The Girl Scout organization seems to have the right idea.

Thanks For Visiting,

Email Dr. Linda

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Susan UpsonMarch 11, 2017 at 1:23 pm

In my experience, being kind usually leads to personal happiness. Win/Win!

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Linda algaziMarch 11, 2017 at 1:51 pm

You are sooooo right!

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Jackie KnollMarch 11, 2017 at 2:51 pm

That Anabelle is one adorable girl scout!! Hope she sold a lot of cookies!

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Dr. LindaMarch 11, 2017 at 3:39 pm

Over 200 boxes! She is a doll.XXOO

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Girl Scouts of Orange CountyMarch 14, 2017 at 8:19 am

Great article, Dr. Linda! We couldn’t agree more. At Girl Scouts, we’re all about practicing everyday leadership, preparing girls to empower themselves, and building G.I.R.L.s (Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, Leaders)tm who make the world a better place. Kindness is in the Girl Scout DNA. Thank you for recognizing that! For your readers who are ready to lead like a Girl Scout, please visit us here: GirlScoutsOC.org/JoinGS. For those interested in being a Voice for Girls, join us on May 12. Go to GirlScoutsOC.org/vfg for more info.

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