As a parent or teacher of a child with executive function challenges, you may have noticed that your kid struggles with tasks that require organization, planning, or self-regulation. These skills, known as executive function skills, are important for helping us achieve our goals and succeed in school, work, and other areas of life. Before we […]
Magnets are interesting because they have the power to attract and stick to some things, but they also have the power to repel or push away other things. People are kinda like that. We can use our words and actions to attract others, but sometimes our words and actions can do the opposite – they
Be a Friendship Magnet: An SEL Lesson on How to Attract Friends Read More »
Imagine this: your child is faced with a problem at school and instead of feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, they confidently come up with a creative solution. As a parent, you know that this kind of adaptability and flexibility is key to your child’s success in school and in life. But how can you help your
Bend and Stretch Your Brain: An SEL Lesson on Flexible Thinking Read More »
As the new year approaches, it’s a great opportunity for parents and teachers to help their elementary aged children develop a growth mindset. But what exactly is a growth mindset? It’s the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through effort and perseverance. This is in contrast to a fixed mindset,
New Year, New Mindset: Cultivating a Growth Mindset 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 »
Throughout the holiday season, many of us find ourselves caught up in the excitement of gift-giving and receiving. We rush to buy the perfect presents, wrap them up with care, and place them under the tree, eagerly awaiting the moment when we can finally see the looks of joy on our loved ones’ faces as
The Present of Presence: The Greatest Gift of All 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 »
As parents and teachers, it is our responsibility to nurture and teach our children about empathy. Empathy is a crucial skill that helps children understand and connect with others, leading to better relationships, improved social skills, and ultimately, a more compassionate society. One of the benefits of teaching children about empathy is that it helps
Empathy: An SEL Lesson for Kids Read More »
