by Alicia Webb, PR Specialist

“Self-awareness is one of the rarest of human commodities. I don’t mean self-consciousness where you’re limiting and evaluating yourself. I mean being aware of your own patterns.” –Tony Robbins

Self-awareness is defined as conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires. It isn’t simply about how we notice ourselves but how we notice the world around us. For young people, developing self-awareness takes time and the idea needs to be embraced by students, parents and educators. Self-awareness is developed through practices, it isn’t learned from a book. 

When young people are self-aware, they have a much better understanding of themselves and can experience things as unique individuals.  Being self-aware also allows children to manage stress and appropriately make changes. Those who are self-aware also are better positioned to be leaders in the future.  One of the primary goals of Tournesol Kids is to promote optimal development in children, with self-awareness being one of those focus areas.  

Some key ways to develop self-awareness include:

• Looking at yourself objectively
• Keeping a journal
• Writing down goals and plans

Many experts agree, completing personality and psychometric tests help in the development of self-awareness. Through Tournesol Kid’s first program, #PowerUp, children are exposed to a holistic health education series that provides a simple and profound way to achieve cognitive, emotional and physical development. 

Developed by Dr. Stephen Cowan, the world-renowned pediatrician, #PowerUp asks children compelling questions via an assessment including, “Do I like to take risks and look for challenges?” and “Do I like to wait for others to lead the way?” The answers to the assessment help them establish their individual powers in area such as empathy and gratitude.  Cowan utilizes the growth mind, which acknowledges the idea that with the right thinking, students can become bigger and stronger with both their brains and hearts. The #PowerUp program is unique because it combines the science of growth mindset with mindfulness and compassion to give kids skills to use in the face of challenges.    

To learn more about #PowerUp and helping your child develop self-awareness, visit http://courses.tournesolkids.org/.