When she was younger, I often coached my older daughter to “be aware of your surroundings”. I used this directive in many contexts including but not limited to safety, emotional intelligence, and keeping a tidy, organized home:
- Safety: Stay alert to cars entering and exiting streets, parking lots, and driveways; suspicious activity that may indicate danger; potential hazards indoors and outdoors.
- Emotional Intelligence: Ask yourself, “Who needs my help?” If you pay close attention to the non-verbal cues of those around you, the answer will be clear.
- Organizing: Take in a panoramic view of every room as you enter and leave. What needs to be put away? What small action can I take in this room to make it look less cluttered and prevent more tedious clean-up later?
Being able to tie in so many life lessons into one mantra is both efficient and effective in its simple consistency. Plus, “be aware of your surroundings” will continue to have relevance for children as they grow into [hopefully!] mature adults.
Originally published April 30, 2017 on www.kiddenprep.com
