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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 1, Issue 9

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 1, Issue 9

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

Story

"Hey, Keisha, check out this cool newsletter I found!" Danielle says, calling her sister over to look at the screen. "It has fashion tips and quizzes and stuff. Plus, I can win a $100 gift certificate if I sign up."

On the monitor is a long list of sign-up questions that Danielle is answering. Keisha is really surprised. "They're asking a lot of private stuff about our family," she says, "I don't think you should answer those questions, Danielle. They're strangers."

"Oh, Keisha, don't worry so much. Everybody does it. It's no big deal."

"You don't think Mom will mind you telling some stranger all about us?"

"She won't get upset because she's never going to know. Right? You and I have to stick together against Mom and Dad. You can keep a secret, can't you?"

"I hate when uses sisterly loyalty to get me do what she wants," Keisha thinks, "But not this time. This is about staying safe. Mom always says that, 'Loyalty means knowing when to keep a secret and when not to.' This is definitely a time when safety comes first."

This week's maxim is "Loyalty means knowing when to keep a secret and when not to."

Maxim

  • "Loyalty means knowing when to keep a secret and when not to." Anonymous

Character points

  • Loyalty- I live so others can count on me and can trust me to do what is right for them.
  • Caring- I am concerned about others and want what is best for them.
  • Concern for others- Because I value people and love them, I want them to be treated with care and love.
  • Courage- I do the right thing, even when it is difficult.
  • Integrity- My actions and decisions are guided by my values.
  • Trustworthiness- People can have faith in me because I know what is right and live out my beliefs.

Homeroom Discussion Information

  • Do you agree with Keisha's decision to tell her mom about everything? What is good about that idea? Is there another, better way she might solve this problem?
  • Is Keisha "loyal" to Danielle? Why or why not?
  • Do you think that Keisha is trustworthy? Explain.
  • Do you agree with this week's maxim? Why or why not?
  • What are some other situations that this maxim might apply to?
  • How can you tell when a situation is at a point when it could be dangerous?
  • When a situation is worrying you and you feel you or someone you care about is doing something unsafe, what should you do?
  • The internet can be really helpful and fun, but it can also be misused. What are some ways of using the internet that might be a problem?
  • What are some of the dangers of the internet? How can you protect yourself from them?

Home-Use Information

Five tips for maxim-izing your family time

  • This MAXIMize Junior lesson is really about discretion. Discuss what information is appropriate for family members to make public and what needs to remain within the confines of your family itself.
  • There are times when kids need to get help. With your child, think of situations when it is vital that a parent know.
  • Have your children identify other trustworthy adults that they can go to for help. Discuss the attributes that make someone worth trusting and relying upon during difficult times. Make sure each of your children can identify at least two other adults that they could go to for support.
  • Take the time to discuss the internet. What's good about it? What are some of the risks? How can your child be a safe, savvy surfer?
  • Because the two main characters in this week's story are siblings, take the opportunity to discuss sibling relations. What's good about having brothers/sisters? What's hard about it? How can siblings work to get along better?

Discussion starters

  • Was Keisha a good friend to Danielle? Was she being a good sister?
  • Is being a good brother or sister the same thing as being a good friend? How are they similar? How are they different?
  • What are some other things Keisha could have done to help Danielle?
  • Do you think that Keisha is a person of integrity? Why or why not?
  • How do you know when it's the right time to tell an adult about a problem that's worrying you?
  • How do you decide who is the right person to go to for help?
  • Danielle could not see that the situation might not be safe. What are some warning signs that a situation might be dangerous?
  • Friends often make choices we disagree with. How can you tell the difference between situations when your involvement is a good thing and when it is not?
  • What's the difference between protecting someone and tattling?
  • Friends trust friends. Is that only about keeping secrets or is it about doing what's best for one another? Think of an example of when breaking a promise might actually be the more "trustworthy" thing to do.

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

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