Friendships are much more than just playdates and shared toys for children; they’re foundational to a child’s emotional and social maturation and overall happiness. When I observe my child interacting with others, I see skills and values in action that will serve them for a lifetime. Friendships help build self-esteem, teach empathy, and foster communication … Read more
As an elementary school counselor, I often help support students who are refusing to come to school. Just last week I was called to the parking lot because a kindergarten student was refusing to get out of the car. Her mom had brought her to school in her pajamas with her clothes in a bag. … Read more
I know the difficulty of being the parent of a highly emotional child. Every time you need to ask them to stop doing something they enjoy, or ask them to do something they don’t, your body tenses up and you hold your breath, hoping they don’t have a meltdown! When you have company at your … Read more
When I see two children with furrowed brows and raised voices, I see an opportunity. Conflict, as much as it might worry us adults, isn’t always a bad thing. It can be a powerful moment for social and emotional growth. Disagreements and conflict are definitely part of growing up. Arguments over toys, who’s next in … Read more
Maintaining focus in school can be particularly challenging for students managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is crucial to recognize that focus is not merely a beneficial trait but a foundational one when it comes to academic achievement. Without it, all the intelligence and talent in the world may not reach its full potential. … Read more
Journaling isn’t just for adults with busy schedules and bucket lists. It’s a golden key that unlocks the rich world of a child’s imagination and feelings. I provide journals to the students in my small groups and they love it! Childhood is a time brimming with new experiences, learning, and growth. Understanding the need for … Read more
In our world today, we all need to be resilient. When we’re faced with a setback (or sometimes several at once!), we have to find a way to dust ourselves off, get back up and carry on. This incredible ability to bounce back, from really difficult circumstances, does not necessarily come naturally to most of … Read more
Many children experience stress on a daily basis. It’s vital to tune into the unique ways in which they demonstrate stress. Since many kids don’t yet have the vocabulary to clearly express what’s bothering them, their stress manifests in their bodies and behavior. This can include stomach aches, headaches, psychosomatic pains, changes in eating or … Read more
When it comes to kids, mindfulness is actually pretty straightforward and fun. It’s all about helping them learn to pay attention to the present moment, without judgment. It’s a way to give them the tools to better handle stress and emotions as they grow. It can be challenging for kids to quiet their minds, just … Read more
Childhood can be an innocent and exciting time full of possibilities. But kids today are deluged with problems and feelings of hopelessness via social media, the internet, and other forms of technology. Children as young as 5 or 6 are all too aware of school shootings, wars, and other tragedies. The bottom line is that … Read more