Rose, Thorn, Bud
Here's What To Do
Choose a time when you can do your Rose, Thorn, Bud reflections at the end of every day (like: commute home from school, dinner time, bath time)
Ask your child(ren) to share something that made them happy (the "Rose"), something that made them sad ("the Thorn") and something they're looking forward to (the "Bud").
Adults should share their Roses, Thorns, and Buds as well. Ask questions about what your child(ren) shared.
Repeat every day at the same time.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Find a space free of distractions.
Engage:
- "Can you tell me your Rose, or something that made you happy today?"
- "What about a Thorn, was there something that made you sad or mad today?"
Encourage:
- When your child sees you opening up about your own feelings, they understand that it is safe to share all types of feelings around you.
- It's important to validate your child's feelings, like: "I can understand why that made you mad."
Reflect:
- Is your child able to explain their emotions effectively?
Not quite ready?
Model sharing a "Rose, Bud, Thorn" yourself, and see if your child can share something about their emotions or ask questions about your feelings.
Ready for more?
Ask your child to draw one of the stories they mentioned in "Rose, Thorn, Bud." Ask them to show their feelings in the picture.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to explain their emotions to an adult.