Page 23 - FS-Grizzly Bear

Quick review of basic concept:
The concepts used in this and other stories are frequently referred to as the “ABC Theory.”
“A” An activating event or experience
“B” Your belief system about “A”
“C” The emotional and behavioral consequences
Most children and many adults think that “A” leads directly to “C.” For example, “he stepped on my foot and that made me mad and I hit him.” The problem for this child is that stepping on the foot and the instantaneous emotion of anger leads to the behavior of fighting.
What is missed by our child in this situation is the understanding that there was a cognitive or belief component “B” which can either mollify or exacerbate the emotional and behavioral reaction. A child that thinks of others negatively, “the punk better not touch me,” or is overly concerned about what others might think “nobody touches me or they will think I am weak,” will generate an intense emotional reaction and consequently more irrational behavioral reaction to someone bumping them or stepping on their foot.
A student with a more rational style of thinking, “it may have been and accident” or “it is no big deal,” or “don’t get angry or you will get in trouble” will be better able to control their emotional and behavioral reaction in this situation.
What hope that this story will help the children (and parents) begin realize that what they are thinking, either rational or irrational, is what is causing their emotions both good and bad and their behavior to any situation.
When going over the worksheet portion of this story notice that anything in normal print is information for the parent. Anything in BOLD PRINT should be read to the child. Anything in italicized print are suggested answers to the preceding question or observation.
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