Reframing or reappraising is one of the best skills we can perfect for looking at a situation and transforming it. [Links to some of my previous posts about the skill below.] In fact, if kids learned this skill while growing, I venture to guess there would soon be many fewer disputes in the adult world.
I am happy to report that a new book just came out that will help you to teach your children to reframe. Read The Asphaltic Peekaboo with them and then talk about the many choices we all have for how to see something (in this book's story, the something is a plant with a flower). The tale will bring a smile to the faces of both children and adults; it will teach kids—and remind grown-ups—to take a look at how we frame events throughout our day.
Click to watch an excellent, short video of author Anette Prehn talking about the book.
From Amazon:
Scientists say that reframing ought to be in the water we drink. Reframing is the ability to deliberately change our interpretations and perspectives and direct our attention to what creates resourcefulness. It is a core life skill that can be built from the age of 3.
In this delightful rhyming picture book – created especially for Kindle and other e-readers – Anette Prehn playfully awakens the child’s awareness that “what I see is very much down to me”. The humorous illustrations, created by Jens Hage, are in a league of their own.
The book is a unique, down-to-earth tool through which parents can help their children reflect upon their frames and help them to cope with an increasingly complex world. It adds depth and constructiveness to the engagement opportunities of every day family life. Combined with its manageable length, The Asphaltic Peekaboo will be a favourite eBook experience for children aged 3-10.
For the benefit of the reader, and in order to enhance clarity and detail of illustrations, this Kindle version of The Asphaltic Peekaboo is in black-and-white.
“A precious gift for children and adults alike.” Dr. James Gross, Professor of Psychology, Stanford University, US
“A great conversation starter in families and schools.” David Drake, PhD, Executive Director, Center for Narrative Coaching, Australia
“A delightful, clever, and fun way to introduce children (and their parents!) to the art of reframing.” Dr. Karen Shue, Clinical Neuropsychologist and “Neurocoach”, Canada
“For every weed, there is indeed a miracle of nature.” Paul Walton, Innovator, Brand Strategist and Director Cello PLC, UK
Click to read a couple of past posts about reframing here "Regulating in-the-way emotions in conflict resolution: Is the difference between a roar and a purr found in the eye of the beholder (or ear of the listener)?" and here "From scaredy cat to serene lion: The alchemy of cognitive reappraisal."
Note that one of the leading researchers on reframing, Dr. James Gross, gave a testimonial for The Asphaltic Peekaboo!
Note (added August 23, 2011): From "The Stories We Lawyers Tell" (ABA Journal):
Framing defines how we think about a problem, and so inevitably points to a solution. But every frame is debatable, and a frame that we don’t buy into leads to frustration and conflict. Nobody likes to be asked, “When did you stop beating your wife?"
So how does framing or storytelling matter to lawyers in the New Normal? In every way.
I am wholly enthusiastic about teaching the skill of reframing. It is to share a skill that constructionist oriented therapists have long employed, not only with therapeutic clients but to the world at large...including three-year olds. However, to credit this development to neuroscience is wholly inappropriate. The skill was developed long before the romance with brain determination, and can be sustained without any recourse to neurology.
Posted by: kenneth gergen | August 17, 2011 at 07:32 PM
I am a bit confused. Who is crediting reframing to neuroscience? There is little that brain science has verified or discovered that was not known before, often for centuries. Nothing new, but sometimes a new way of seeing it because of the advances in technology.
Posted by: StephanieWestAllen | August 17, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Wow, Zemanta actually found a post that was right on target for an article on the power of reframing for individuals with executive functioning dysregulation that I am drafting for ADDandSoMuchMore.com. Keep an eye out for pings (or however these blog platforms notify you that you've been referenced and linked). And thanks!
As a pioneer and developer of Brain-Based Coaching technique, now that I've found you, I'll be back to mine your site many times, I'm sure (intellectualy property STRICTLY respected!) LOVE the name of your blog, btw.
If you've got time to guest post, I'd love to feature either or both of you - and I'd be happy to return the favor if/when it seems appropriate.
xx,
mgh - Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, SCAC, MCC - (blogging at ADDandSoMuchMore and ADDerWorld - dot com!)
Posted by: Madelyn Griffith-Haynie | August 22, 2011 at 05:13 PM