During well-being sessions this term, we introduced the "Inner Coach" program to students. "Inner Coach" is a powerful tool that helps children develop positive inner voices, providing encouragement and support during times of hardship and challenge. Adopting an "Inner Coach" teaches children to counter their negative inner voices (Inner Critic), which can often lead to feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. By teaching students how to listen to themselves, children can develop positive self-talk and attitudes, enabling them to overcome fears and anxieties while recognizing their strengths and potential. As a result, this will help improve children's confidence and ability to handle pressure.

We encourage parents to work with their children and help them practice using Inner Coach.

Examples:

* There are some examples of children's inner critical and positive voices in various situations, which parents can use to observe or discuss with their child to help them recognize inner voices and practice developing a positive response to difficulties.

1.) Your child made a mistake when writing something. They may say:

- "That's okay! I have an eraser." (Positive √)

- "Ugh. I'm terrible at writing." (Critical ×)

2.) Your child cut their hand while playing. They may say:

- "I will just get a Band-Aid. It doesn't hurt too bad." (Positive √)

- "OH NO! This is terrible. My hand is never going to stop hurting."

(Critical ×)

3.) Your child can't remember what they just read in the reading group, they may say:

- "Stay positive. My friends and teachers will help me remember."

(Positive √)

- "I have a terrible memory. I can't remember anything!" (Critical ×)

4.) Siblings accidentally break their favourite toy, your child may say:

- "It's okay. They didn't mean to do it. I'm sure it can be fixed." (Positive √)

- "I hate them. They ruin everything."(Critical ×)

5.) Your child slipped when they got out of the car. They may say:

- "No big deal, at least I am not hurt. I can move on." (Positive √)

- "This will be a horrible day, and nothing will improve." (Critical ×)

6.) Your child feels tired at school, they may say:

- "I'm going to keep working as hard as possible. When I get home, I can relax!" (Positive √)

- "I'm so tired I can't do anything. I am too tired." (Critical ×)

Practices:

Each child possesses a distinct internal language that varies from one another. Therefore, comprehending the child's thought process and speech is imperative. Please encourage your child to recall any challenging circumstances they might have faced. Brainstorm along with your child and consider the following exercises:

• Write what your inner coach (positive inner voice) would say.

• Write what your inner critic (negative inner voice) would say.

* Citation: Sitzmann, S. (2017). Inner Coach vs. Inner Critic https://enrichmenttherapies.com/inner-coach-vs-inner-critic/

本学期，我们在Wellbeing课程中向孩子们介绍了“Inner Coach” （内在教练）。Inner Coach是一种培养内心的积极声音的方法，它可以帮助孩子们在面对困难或挑战时给与自己鼓励和支持。它与Inner Critic（内在批评者）相对应，后者是指内心的消极声音，它会让人们感到不自信或者不够好。我们希望通过Inner Coach教学帮助孩子们学习用积极的语言和态度对待自己和他人，克服内心的担忧和恐惧，并认识到自己的优点和潜力，从而提高自信心和抗压能力。

我们鼓励家长们也和孩子们一起学习使用积极的语言和态度，并适时帮助孩子们将内在的批评的声音转换为鼓励的声音。

练习：

每个孩子都有自己独特的内部语言，所以确定孩子可能会想什么或说什么是至关重要的。看看您的孩子是否能想到一个或多个发生在他们身上的困难情境。您可以和孩子一起集思广益，并做如下练习：

•写下你内心积极的声音（Inner Coach）会怎么说。

•写下你内心批评的声音（Inner Critic）会怎么说。

* 资料来源：Sitzmann, S. (2017). Inner Coach vs. Inner Critic  https://enrichmenttherapies.com/inner-coach-vs-inner-critic/