Home › Resources ›
MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 1, Issue 14

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 1, Issue 14

December 13, 2004
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

"Roger is a fattie. Roger is a fattie," Brenda taunted from the other side of the lunch table.

I continue to eat my lunch, but my buddy Tarek nudges me. "Roger, you can't let her get away with that. Say something back," he whispers.

"Why should I? Everyone knows I'm fat. What's it going to help if I stand up to her?"

The next morning, when I open my desk I see a scrap of paper that wasn't there yesterday. I pick it up and notice that it has a message: "If you want to be respected by others, the great thing is to respect yourself."

I wonder who could have left it.

At lunch that day, Brenda starts bugging me as soon as I put my lunch tray on the table. "Roger is a fattie. Roger is a fattie," she sings.

My first reaction is to sulk and turn away, just like I always do. But then I think of the note in my desk and remember the maxim. I pick my chin up and turn around towards Brenda. "Brenda, please stop calling me fat," I ask politely. "I don't like it, and it hurts my feelings. Your teasing only makes me feel worse." I turn back to Tarek, who has a big smile on his face. He respects me already-just for sticking up for myself!

This week's maxim is "If you want to be respected by others, the great thing is to respect yourself."  

Maxim

  • "If you want to be respected by others, the great thing is to respect yourself."
    Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Character points

  • Self-respect - I know I am valuable, special, and unique, so I take care of myself and my body.
  • Acceptance - I know I am not perfect, but I still see the goodness of the whole.
  • Authenticity - I am genuine; I am aware of my gifts and areas for growth.
  • Serenity - I am at peace with myself; I deal with troubles and patience, grace, and courage.
  • Humility - I know my gifts and that I have a responsibility to use them; I know my faults and work to improve myself.

Homeroom Discussion Information

  • Does sticking up for yourself make you feel better about yourself?
  • Do you agree that sticking up for yourself is a good plan? Why?
  • What are some other ways that you can gain self-respect?
  • A lot of times, teasing is about putting others down. Many times people say that standing up yourself is about taking that power back. Do you think that's true? In what ways?
  • What could Tarek have done to help stop Brenda from making fun of Roger? How else could Tarek have shown his concern for Roger?
  • What do you think of Brenda? How is she influencing Roger's self-confidence?
  • Do you ever feel pressured to be different than you are? What helps you overcome it?
  • If Roger never decided to stick up for himself, would that mean it was OK for Brenda to keep teasing him? Why not?

Home-Use Information

Five tips for maxim-izing your family time

  • This week's story deals with sensitive issues. Be sure to talk about it at a time that your children are calm and feel comfortable. You may choose to begin the conversation by talking about the story specifically and deal with the issues once the conversation is already going.
  • Talk with your child about what you would do if he/she were in Roger's position. How would you help him/her?
  • Ask your children what kind of support they would like from you in a situation such as this.
  • There are times when kids need to get help. With your child, think of situations when it is vital that a parent know.
  • Have each of your children identify at least two other adults that they could go to for support. Discuss the attributes that make someone worth trusting and relying upon during difficult times.

Discussion starters

  • Have each person list three things about his or her body that they're proud of.
    Discuss what things affect your body image: for better and for worse. Then, talk about how you can help each other to have positive body images and to ignore negative influences.
  • Do you agree with the way Roger handles the situation? What does he do well? What could/should he have done differently?
  • How can we, as a family, help each other deal with issues like being teased by classmates?
  • Think about Tarek. What would you do if you were in his place and your friend was being picked on?
  • How do you know when is the right time to tell an adult about a situation that's worrying you?
  • What are some ways to ignore or overcome teasing from people who are unkind, like Brenda? Why is it important to know how to deal with people who aren't being nice?
  • How can you let someone know that they have hurt you, without doing it in a way that makes things worse?
  • What are some other situations that this maxim might apply to?

Be sure to acknowledge the courage your children show in talking with you about these issues.

Related Links