St Columba’s is a member of Be You initiative- which means that we actively work to support the well being of our children and value positive relationships within our school community. A significant part of this framework for us is the classroom teaching with the Bounce Back program.
If you are resilient you are able to cope reasonably well with difficult situations and things that go wrong and then ‘bounce back’. Throughout life children will encounter everyday challenges such as making mistakes, falling out with a friend, moving house or school and losing in a sports competition. Many will also face challenges such as adapting to family breakdowns, a step-family, the illness or death of a family member, or being bullied.
The BOUNCE BACK! Well being and Resilience program teaches children the skills and attitudes to help them become more resilient. It uses literature as a starting point for discussions and follow-up activities. These ten coping statements are a core part of the program.
BOUNCE BACK! stands for:
Bad times don’t last. Things always get better. Stay optimistic.
Other people can help if you talk to them. Get a reality check.
Unhelpful thinking makes you feel more upset. Think again.
Nobody is perfect—not you and not others.
Concentrate on the positives (no matter how small) and use laughter.
Everybody experiences sadness, failure, rejection and setbacks sometimes, not just you. They are a normal part of life. Try not to personalise them.
Blame fairly. How much of what happened was due to you, to others and to bad luck or circumstances?
Accept what can’t be changed (but try to change what you can change first).
Catastrophising exaggerates your worries. Don’t believe the worst possible picture.
Keep things in perspective. It’s only part of your life.