Friends for Life

We are starting a new unit in Health and Career Education. It is called FRIENDS for Life.


Rationale:

FRIENDS for Life was created to assist children and youth at an appropriate developmental level to learn important skills and techniques to cope with and manage anxiety.
The symbolism drawn from the word FRIENDS is based on the following principles:

* The words FRIENDS helps children and youth to remember each of the skills taught throughout the program (i.e. each letter stands for a new skill learned)
* Our body is our FRIEND and tells us when we are feeling worried or nervous by giving us clues.
* It is important to learn to be our own FRIEND, and rewards ourselves when we try hard.
* It is important to make FRIENDS, so that we can build our social support network and feel happier.
* FRIENDS can help us cope with difficult situations more effectively.

There are 3 components that are taught in the FRIENDS for Life program: Learning, Cognitive, Physiological.

Skills taught:

* problem-solving skills
* coping skills
* awareness of body cues
* identification of inner thoughts
* use of positive self-talk
* techniques for challenging negative self-talk
* peer support, etc. etc.