Play the game UNO with the standard deck, set up, and game rules. To add the twist, each color represents a different emotion: When a player lays a yellow card, the player shares a time they felt happy or something that makes them happy. When a player lays a blue card, the player shares a […]
On the next page is a 5-Point Scale that you and your child can complete together. This scale will not only allow your child to understand their emotions, but you as a parent or guardian can gain a better perspective. These scales provide a guide that assists students with becoming more self-aware. After completing, try […]
When trying new things like exercising Mindfulness, your child may wonder what it even means to be mindful. You can explain mindful as a skill that helps you: Pay attention better Be less distractible Learn more Stay calm under stress Avoid getting too upset about things Slow down instead of rush Listen better to others […]
Write down different emotion words on slips of paper. Some examples: happy, sad, scared, angry, calm, excited, frustrated, worried, embarrassed, joyful, disgusted, etc. Once emotion words are written down on slips of paper, have the parent or caregiver hide them throughout the house. When children find each emotion word, have them read it out loud […]
Watch your child activate the 5 senses! Use a piece of paper or a piece of poster board and have your child find various items you have around the house to glue/tape different images in each category. They can draw pictures if you do not have anything to glue or tape! Have your child identify […]
Draw a picture of four mountains on a blank sheet of paper. Trace them with your finger. As your finger slowly traces up the left side, take a deep breath in. Then while your finger traces down the right side, exhale that breath slowly. Try tracing the mountains three times. Pay attention to how you […]
by Heather Miller, LCSW, June 12, 2018 – “It’s probably normal. Every child goes through phases likes this. More than likely he’ll outgrow it.” I was trying to reassure myself there was no reason for concern, but the growing pit in my stomach suggested otherwise. By now I should know that, for me, having a […]
By Amy Steele, LCSW – June 5, 2018 – Surprisingly, the average age of a child the first time they see adult content on the internet is 11 years. Kids don’t have to be looking for mature content; it is programmed to find them. To think that it won’t happen to your child leaves them […]
By Donna Wolter, LCSW, May 29, 2018 – Warmer weather is here again, so that means we will be enjoying the great outdoors! What a long winter it has been! Research continuously shows that being outside can improve our mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Several research studies I’ve read recently validate that being outdoors or […]
By Sarah Laury, LCSW, May 22, 2018 – Courier & Press The countdown to summer has officially begun. There are only a few short weeks until school is out for the summer. Many families look forward to the days of swimming, relaxing, and vacationing. Most are also excited about sleeping in, staying up late, and […]