When our kids are sad, our immediate response is often to "fix" and change our child's hard emotions. However, being given the right and space to experience an emotion without pushing it down is an incredible way to start raising emotionally intelligent children. Check out the following ways to validate their feelings of sadness:
Do you ever wonder what to say in the moment when your child is feeling angry? Often, when we jump in a try to soothe and make things better, we miss the mark in having them advocate for themselves and tell us what they need - building those problem solving and resilience skills. With this in mind, check out the following suggestions:
Mealtime can be a great time for everyone to come together and talk about their day. Even if kids are too young to talk, it can be a way to build positive associations with mealtime. With my students, my favorite check-in starter is rose, bud and thorn:
When supporting an anxious child, it can be challenging coming up with the right words at the moment. Below, you'll find common scenarios between parents and kids and the 3Cs co-regulation process for approaching these challenging situations with love and connection.
In the last post I shared the importance of imagination for a child's healthy development. You may wonder, "Is my child too old to believe in Santa?" Or "When do I need to tell my child that Santa isn't real?" If you can relate to this, swipe through the slides below for practice advice from Little Otter Health. Imaginary figures like Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny are more important than you might think! They serve as a function for healthy child development. For more info, swipe through the slides below about why imaginative characters like Santa Claus play an important role in childhood. Did you know that children (and adults!) feel happier, more loved and more connected to others in their lives when they practice gratitude regularly? Today I am sharing writing and conversation prompts to help your child express appreciation and cultivate positive emotions. What other prompts would you add to the list?
Each year we partner with local businesses and organizations to support our families over the holidays. Please consider taking advantage of the following supports. Your information will be kept confidential.
Thanksgiving Basket Project: each basket includes ingredients to prepare the traditional Thanksgiving meal for your family. If you would like a basket, please complete the form: Thanksgiving Basket Form. Deadline: Friday, November 11th. Joys of the Season Coupon Booklets: valued at up to $100 per child and redeemable at local stores. Please email me if you would like to receive these booklets. Booklets will be mailed to you once we receive them from the Interfaith Council. Warm regards, Jason Stevenson [email protected] This was a suggested post on my Instagram this morning - click on the photo to view. It speaks to the importance of prioritizing time with our children, cherishing all their small moments and not getting bogged down by our "to do" lists. Below are the words. Happy first day of school! Just Wait a Minute - Jess Ulrichs
He asks me to watch how fast he can run How high he can jump Did you see that mom? Just a minute, I say, I'm almost done. He asks me to listen as he hums a tune Just a second, I say, I'll be there soon. He asks me to look at a picture he drew I say I will soon but I have things to do. For his world is in color, a work of art An invite he offers into his heart But it's something unfinished, always something to start. I'll never be done There'll always be more The dust will still settle on some endless chore. And the running, the jumping, the mommy watch this Will I remember it only as something I missed? Too busy with crossing things off of my list? Let's sit for a while, let's take some time Pull me into your world, let me step out of mine. He soars around, his arms are wings And finally I learn that we need the same thing. In this season and all that it brings A boy and his mother, just seeing each other. |
Jason StevensonSchool Counselor - Avid Hiker - Reader - Lego Enthusiast Archives
January 2024
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