Cooperation
Cooperation means working together. It means I listen to others. I watch what they do. We share and help each other.
Families that cooperate well together feel more relaxed and connected and together they achieve MORE.
Cooperation, caring and collaboration are critical skills for living our lives fully and joyfully, both as children and adults.
Most of what we do in life involves interacting with other people, and joy and success in relationships is dependent on having skills that free us to interact in positive and cooperative ways.
Ideas to apply the PLS Cooperation concept at home:
• Cooperating and collaborating with others feels good and will improve the effectiveness of communication and teamwork within the family.
• It will also assist to build a more positive, supportive and motivational environment at home
• Working together within an inclusive, non-competitive environment, strengthens bonds and promotes positive relationships.
• Allowing siblings to work together to negotiate outcomes can support their self-esteem confidence and relationships.
• If children participate in team sports or activities, communicate as a family about why the team works well – i.e., who plays what role, how they support each other, how trust and respect play a part, then apply these same concepts to how they operate at school and home.
• Encourage a sense of humour and fun when cooperating at home. Everyone can take turns, everyone misses out on what they want sometimes, and everyone can learn to rely on each other and work together for win-win situations and outcomes. Remember sometimes cooperation means compromise and trust that your turn will come.
• Learning to develop more trust of self and trust of others, will strengthen understanding and application of teamwork, leadership and followership within the home environment
Making or enjoying music is a fabulous way to cooperate and collaborate. You can dance together, make your own musical instruments. You could even make your own song and perform it together!