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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 1, Issue 6

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 1, Issue 6

May 20, 2002
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

When Mrs. Smith sees that I didn't do my homework last night, she says, "David, you-of all people-can't afford to be missing assignments! What are you thinking? Or, are you not thinking at all?"

I know that the whole class can hear. People are laughing and I feel my cheeks getting warm. I hate Mrs. Smith! For the rest of the morning, I don't listen to anything she says. Instead, I plot ways to get back at Mrs. Smith for yelling at me in front of everyone.

On my way to recess, my teacher from last year, Miss Kerr, stops me and asks me what's wrong. When I tell her, she says, "David, I'm sorry that you're feeling bad. But, is revenge really the best way to deal with this? Don't you think that'll make things even worse? Remember, 'Anger is only one letter short of danger.' Take a minute to think about it-I know you'll do the right thing."

At the end of the day, I apologize to Mrs. Smith for not doing my work. And I let her know that I was upset that she embarrassed me. She apologized for getting mad at me in front of everyone. She even told me I should be proud that I dealt with my anger in such a mature way. I think we're going to end up getting along a lot better from now on.

This week's maxim is "Anger is only one letter short of danger."  

Maxim

  • "Anger is only one letter short of danger."
    Eleanor Roosevelt

Character points

  • Patience - I take the time to make choices based on my beliefs and ideals.
    Forgiveness - I am willing to look past the wrongdoings of others so our relationships can move forward.
  • Strength - I have the courage and character to make wise decisions.
    Understanding - I work to see situations from others' points of view and try to think about the many different parts of a problem.
  • Self-control - I make decisions based on my beliefs; I do not let negative emotions get the better of me.
  • Peace - I try to understand; I work to improve situations, rather than making conflicts worse.
  • Reconciliation - I am willing to work at my relationships; I see difficulties as opportunities for growth.

Homeroom Discussion Information

  • What do you think this week's maxim means? What are some other situations it could apply to?
  • List some other ways David might have dealt with the situation. What are the positive and negative aspects of each alternative?
  • Why was David's decision to go talk with Mrs. Smith such a good one?
  • How might his good choice in this situation benefit him as a student?
  • How could it benefit him in his perception of himself?
  • How might this lesson positively affect other relationships in his life?
  • David could have decided to let his anger and desire for revenge control him. What might have resulted if David had made the wrong choice instead?
    If you find out that a friend of yours is very angry, how can you help him/her deal with that anger?
  • How can you tell when a friend's anger is something to be concerned about? If that situation comes up, what should you do?
  • Have you ever been in a situation when you felt you were treated unfairly?
  • How did you handle that situation?
  • Do you think you handled it well or do wish you had addressed it differently? Explain your reasoning.
  • Let's assume Mrs. Smith was normally a kind and caring teacher. She was just having a very bad day. Could she have acted differently and avoided this situation altogether?
  • How do you feel when teachers let you know that they are having a difficult day? How do you react to those teachers?

Home-Use Information

Five tips for maxim-izing your family time

  • Try spending a few minutes discussing what anger is. Spend some time defining the term and explaining the difference between constructive and destructive anger.
  • Together try to think of appropriate ways to deal with anger and other negative emotions. Come up with a list together.
  • Talk about times that you've been very angry. How have you dealt with those situations? Be willing to share your successes as well as your struggles.
  • Discuss ways that you can let one another know when you are having a difficult day and might need more space. Also, talk about how to deal with family members when you feel that they are taking other things out on you.
  • Take this opportunity to discuss how important it is to look for solutions, rather than seeking revenge. If you feel your children are old enough to handle it, you may want to talk about recent tragedies like the school shootings.

Discussion starters

  • Is it ever appropriate to ignore a situation in which you feel injustice has been done? Why or why not?
  • Does it make a difference if that injustice is at the expense of someone besides you?
  • Why is forgiveness such so important to any long-term relationship?
  • How do you deal with situations when it is difficult to forgive?
  • How important is it that relationships are generally peaceful and people get along well?
  • Are there times when "keeping the peace" is not as important as being honest with your feelings?
  • How can we know when you are angry?
  • What can we do to let you know when we are angry?
  • When is it necessary to express negative emotions? When it is not an appropriate and/or productive idea? How can you tell the difference between the two situations?
  • What are some appropriate and productive ways of dealing with negative emotions?
  • Why is revenge an inappropriate way of dealing with anger?
  • What are some ways that you can get past the desire to take revenge, rather than being overcome by it?
  • Negative emotion don't really feel pleasant, but sometimes they can still cause good results. List some potential positive aspects or results of negative emotions.

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

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