Hi everyone! Have you ever heard of affirmations? Affirmations are simple, positive statements that we repeat to ourselves to provide encouragement and motivation. And did you know that they are based on science? Our brain’s language is repetition. Whatever we say or think or do repeatedly sticks in our brain. When we practice doing something […]
Affirmations: Powerful Little Pep Talks for Your Brain Read More »
Have you ever had a disagreement with a friend and felt like your emotions were blowing up like a balloon? It can be tough to stay calm and find a solution when we’re feeling strong emotions like anger or frustration. But there’s a fun and educational way to practice managing our emotions and solving problems
Innovative SEL Lesson: The Balloon and Skewer Activity for Regulating Emotions Read More »
You’re at the grocery store with your child, who is begging and pleading for a box of “Frosted Fudge Flakes.” You’ve told them no, but they’re having none of it. Suddenly, they throw themselves onto the floor, kicking and screaming at the top of their lungs. You’re embarrassed, frustrated, and feeling like the worst parent
From Chaos to Peace: Proven Strategies for Managing Temper Tantrums Read More »
When your child complains about another child being “mean”, it might not mean what you think it means! As your child grows and begins to navigate their social relationships, it’s natural for them to encounter moments where they feel like someone is being mean or treating them unfairly. It can be tough for kids to
Mean Doesn’t Always Mean MEAN: an SEL Lesson on Social Misperception Read More »
We know that anxiety can be tough to deal with, especially when it seems like the “worry monster” is always lurking around the corner. But here’s the thing: that worry monster is a big fat liar. It loves to play the “What if?” mind game, focusing on the worst case scenario, which leaves us feeling
Stop Playing the “What If?” Game: Worry Monster Tricks & Tips Read More »
Festivus, the holiday made popular on the TV show Seinfeld, is celebrated on December 23rd. This parody of traditional holiday celebrations includes the annual Festivus tradition known as “airing of grievances,” where participants tell others how they have disappointed or frustrated them over the past year. While it is true that an increase in negative
Sensations are the clues that our body gives us about our feelings. They can range from physical sensations, such as a racing heart or butterflies in the stomach, to mental sensations, such as a racing mind or difficulty concentrating. It is important for children to learn how to listen to these sensations and understand what
The Power of Sensations: Your Body’s Clues to Emotions Read More »
Gratitude is the feeling of being thankful and appreciative for something or someone. It’s a powerful emotion that can have a huge impact on our mental and physical well-being. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can have a number of benefits for the brain. For example, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve
An Innovative SEL Lesson: An Attitude of Gratitude Can Change Your Life Read More »
It’s natural to want to protect children from danger and help them to feel safe. But sometimes, our brains can react to potentially dangerous situations in ways that are not always helpful. This is known as the fight, flight, or freeze response, and it’s a natural part of the way our brains are wired. When
The 3 F’s of Survival: Understanding the Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response Read More »
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, and can help us find more peace and calm in the midst of busyness and chaos. There are many benefits to practicing mindfulness with children, including: If you are interested
Merry Mindfulness: A Guide to Practicing Mindfulness with Kids During the Holidays Read More »
