“Do you hear it?” a young boy looked up at his mother with wide eyes. “Hear what?” his mother asked. “My heart,” he said. “It’s whispering!” “What is it saying, honey?” “It says…” He listened for a moment, “It says….keep listening.” ~From the book Child of Wonder Art can be a predominant method that helps …
When I was a little girl, I lived on a farm. And during the summer months, when it was still warm outside as I was going to bed, the old farmhouse windows would be open. In the stillness of the evening, the only sound that filled the air was the sound of a choir of …
The Chinese practice of Qigong coordinates the flowing, fluid movement of energy between the body, mind and breath. It is so gentle and mindful! This Fly Like A Bird activity is perfect for helping you and your child to align the mind and body for deep relaxation. It also trains the body to move without …
I just love it when ideas spontaneously produce themselves. Just began one of my groups with this activity: Happy Thought Bubbles. 1. Discuss how a deep breath is a silent message to the body that it is “time to relax.” 2. Practice a few rounds of deep diaphragmatic breathing. For this group I used the …
Deep pressure touch has been found to be very calming to the nervous system. I work with many students who struggle with sensory integration and moderation and sometimes deep pressure touch works to help them focus and/or calm down. Please use this technique with caution, starting with a very non-evasive exercise such as the finger …
Calm and Focus: The Potential Effects of Deep Pressure Touch Read More »
A few years ago, I heard a speaker introduce me to the concept of trim tabbing. As he was speaking, he stated that I could easily reach my goals if I made small, incremental changes each day in the direction of my dreams. I have applied this concept many times since hearing that speech. Any …
In my work as a school psychologist, I have found Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication principles to be incredibly supportive in the school environment. When compassion and non-judgement are the foundations of communication, we do not engage the limbic brain in confrontational defense mechanisms and we are able to communicate while staying cool, calm and collected. …
Communicate Like a Giraffe– language to stay relaxed Read More »
It’s back to school time! Often with back to school there can be increased anxiety. Time to help your child fill her backpack with relaxation techniques! It’s important to find ones that he likes and enjoys practicing. Here is another fun, brilliant idea from the School Counselor at my school, Michelle Bourgeois, LCSW. She uses …
I love the glitter jar! The school counselor, Michele Bourgeois, LCSW, at my school uses this in her groups. She also created the gorgeous example in the picture!!! Use this jar to begin relaxation practice. It is a wonderful way for kids to have a visual focus while deep breathing. Help your child learn to …
Want a fun way to practice yoga with your child? Try reading this book together! Babar’s Yoga for Elephants by Laurent de Brunhoff is a fun way to practice yoga stretches. What the students and I liked the most was the easy to follow, step by step directions for basic poses such as the warrior …
Relaxation Resource Recommendation: Babar’s Yoga For Elephants Read More »
