Happy Family, Dynamic Future (3)

A child growing up in a happy family will strive in their life. A happy family does not mean living in luxury, nor does it measured by material gains.

According to the Family Action Centre at the University of Newcastle, there are eight main characteristics that keep families together:

1. Communication
2. Togetherness
3. Sharing activities
4. Affection
5. Support
6. Acceptance
7. Commitment
8. Resilience

To build a happy family, practicing those eight main characteristics alone may not be sufficient. We have to look into the common traits of dysfunctional families too lest that we fall into the trap.

What are the common traits of dysfunctional families then that could lead to unhappy childhood environment?

Further reading:

• Happy Family, Dynamic Future (1)
• Happy Family, Dynamic Future (2)

Happy Family, Dynamic Future (2)

A child growing up in a happy family will strive in their life. A happy family does not mean living in luxury, nor does it measured by material gains.

According to the Family Action Centre at the University of Newcastle, there are eight main characteristics that keep families together:

  

What can we do to enhance the 8 main characteristics of a happy family?

Further reading:

• Happy Family, Dynamic Future (1)
• Happy Family, Dynamic Future (3)

Happy Family, Dynamic Future (1)

A child growing up in a happy family will strive in their life. A happy family does not mean living in luxury, nor does it measured by material gains.

Here is an excerpt from George Negus Tonight : : Health : : Happy Families (View full transcript here).

SHELLY HORTON, REPORTER: Research shows children from unhappy families have lower self-esteem and higher levels of behavioural problems. And those children learn yelling is a legitimate way of solving problems. Further down the track they may repeat the pattern and become abusive parents themselves. It's easy for a happy family to unravel and focus on nasty remarks and petty arguments. And research shows that if you look for family problems, you'll find them alright. But if you focus on what's working in your family you can use that strength to overcome other issues. So what makes one family pull together in a crisis while others pull apart? To find out, the Family Action Centre at the University of Newcastle did a nationwide study looking at families who considered themselves as strong and happy. They discovered eight main characteristics that keep families together: communication, togetherness, sharing activities, affection, support, acceptance, commitment and resilience. SIMONE SILBERBERG, PSYCHOLOGIST, UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE: They all contribute to a family's resilience, which is a term that we use to describe the family's ability to bounce back from setbacks and crises, and their ability to change and to adapt to circumstances. I'd like you to think about what strengths you use...

What can we do to enhance the 8 main characteristics of a happy family?

The suggestions will be revealed in the next post. Stay tuned!

• Happy Family, Dynamic Future (2)
• Happy Family, Dynamic Future (3)

Are You a Great Teacher? (3)

In this final part of “Are You a Great Teacher?” series, let us journey upon a better world for all. The traits are not just all about being a great teacher, but it also about being a great person.

                  

When it comes to being a great teacher, the traits that surface have little relationship with academic credentials, intellect or measurable knowledge. What are the traits then?

7. a Positive person

Great teachers not only believe in themselves but also believe in others.

They create a positive learning environment by a simple gesture – smile.

They encourage their students to ask and learn from mistakes.

8. a person who Engage their students

Great teachers understand that learning is an active process.

They encourage their students by focusing on stimulating creativity in learning, communicating and listening.

They see learning as a two-way process instead of one-way street - lecture.

9. a person with High Expectations

Great teachers set high expectations on themselves and on their students.

They recognize that not everyone excels in every single field but they help their students to see their capabilities and strengths.

Are You a Great Teacher? (2)

In our previous post, we’ve shared on few of the traits of a great teacher.

When it comes to being a great teacher, the traits that surface have little relationship with academic credentials, intellect or measurable knowledge. What are the traits then?

4. a Enthusiastic person

Great teachers speak with excitement and enthusiasm in teaching their subject matter.

They enjoy talking and sharing their knowledge with their students in the hope that their students will enjoy learning too.

5. a person who Shows, not Tells

Great teachers demonstrate a topic by bringing in examples into the class.

They use creative aids to help them express their knowledge and ease students’ understanding.

6. a person who Learns from their students

Great teachers accept students’ questions as a way for them to gain knowledge and wisdom.

They encourage lifelong learning, not learning for the sake of passing the examinations or presentations.

Are You a Great Teacher? (1)

Who are your favourite teachers? What make you like them or enjoy their class?

When it comes to being a great teacher, the traits that surface have little relationship with academic credentials, intellect or measurable knowledge. What are the traits then?

1. a Humble person

Great teachers are always on the go on learning and have a great heart in helping their students to learn.

They speak with confident but never arrogant or impress others with their knowledge.

They understand that they do not know everything in the world but eager to learn what they do not know.

Besides facilitating students’ learning, great teachers are learners too and willing to answer students’ questions of the unknown.

2. a Patient person

Great teachers are always patient in teaching.

It does not matter how many mistakes or how many times they need to explain, they still remain calm and willing to help their students learn.

3. a person who shows Kindness and Respect

Great teachers recognize that treating their students with respect will in return earn respect from their students.

This relationship will ease the teaching and learning process.

They understand that everyone is born with value and worth.