In helping kids develop a humble spirit as well as develop confidence in themselves that they can “handle it” one has to walk a narrow line. Recently I spoke with a 10 year old about the subject. He stated there are two different kinds of pride. You can be so sure of yourself and puffed up that you literally walk around with your head in a cloud unable to see what’s in front and below you. With this kind of Pride you end up tripping all over things. The other kind of Pride is when you are responsibly proud. You are confident you can compete because you have practiced hard and are ready for competition.

Below are two cards. One is a Pride Card and the other is a Problem Solving Card. The Pride Card shows the word PRIDE spelled down the left hand column with the words Personal Responsibility In Daily Effort printed beside the letters. Invite students to write their name on the card when they demonstrate responsible behavior. Place the cards in a basket and then you can have daily or weekly drawings to celebrate various acts of responsibility.

The other card is a Problem Solving Card that has three steps you can follow for solving problems. With younger children you can put 3 colored beads on a string and make it into a necklace to help children remember the 3 steps in problem solving.

P= PERSONAL

R=RESPONSIBILITY

I= IN

D= DAILY

E=EFFORT

Pride Card

I FIND A WAY I DON’T MAKE EXCUSES

1. CLARIFY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS THAT I NEED TO SOLVE.

2. COME UP WITH THREE IDEAS I CAN TRY TO FIX IT.

3. BEGIN BY DOING ONE THING IN THE NEXT HOUR TO START SOLVING THE PROBLEM.

Problem Solver Card

The other card is titled the Problem Solver Card. It is used to train kids in the 3 major steps for solving problems. Coach children that before they ask for an adult’s assistance to solve a problem to follow the ideas on the card.