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 […]
Relax and Listen to The Crickets Read More »
Knowing how to support your child with his anger can be challenging at times. Even as adults it’s hard to tame our anger dragons. Helping our kids learn how to deal with anger to transform it into healthy expression and to avoid violence or manipulation is a tool that will benefit them their entire life.
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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
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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
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an awesome tool to help kids return to calm. I was in a NYC workshop with Gabrielle Bernstein, author of Miracles Now and May Cause Miracles, a week ago. She introduced us to EFT Specialist and CoFounder of tappingsolutionfoundation.org , Lori Leyden. Lori shared her experiences using EFT to release
RELAXATION TOOL: Emotional Freedom Technique for Kids Read More »
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 »
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
For many different reasons, sometimes kids aren’t that keen on relaxation practice. However, it is possible to encourage them so that, before you know, it they are SUPER interested in relaxing with you. Here are five ways to encourage your child’s relaxation practice, making it a FUN and joyful experience. 1. Parent Model. Begin practicing
Got Resistance? Five Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Relaxation Practice Read More »
As a school psych, I hear it all the time, “I sure wish my kiddo could relax. He is soooooo active, just bounces off the walls. He just goes goes goes until he drops at night!” And I hear myself repeating these things over and over to help shift the situation. Here are the top
Top 10 Things to AVOID if you want a CALM Kid Read More »
It contains wonderful projects related to the ancient Japanese art of tea ceremony. Want a unique way to practice relaxation that captures your child’s attention and engages them in a beautiful natural relaxation method? Try hosting a tea ceremony. This book, while extremely educational and well laid-out, provides all the essential steps and ingredients you
