Holiday crowds, lights, noise, strangers, hugging, change in routine, and chaos. When your child has special needs, holidays could be a recipe for stress and sensory overload. As parents, we need to be flexible with our definition of what a holiday should look like....
The teacher is one of your most important allies during the school year. They work incredibly hard to make sure all students achieve academic proficiency, gain crucial socio-emotional skills, and are prepared for a successful future both in and outside the classroom....
Socializing and activities outside of school are components needed to help develop your child’s social and emotional skills. Establishing relationships with kids at school and outside of school while participating in extracurricular activities help to nurture your...
Summer break is winding down, families are returning from vacation, school supplies are flying off the shelves, and teachers are back in their classrooms diligently preparing for another academic year. As the first day of school approaches, the relaxing days of...
Early learning centers were established to provide an extra helping hand in young children’s growth and teaching them skills that they need to thrive in life. But as their first teacher, it is the parents who should help children handle their feelings and emotions....
A friend of mine was recently out with his two daughters when a stranger approached and kindly complimented him for taking the time to babysit his children. He was frustrated with this well-intentioned comment because as he put it, “I’m not babysitting, I’m...
Screen time is often a part of modern childhood. Kids may enjoy playing games, chatting with friends and family, and using online educational tools. They may even have digital homework assignments. While screen time can be a normal and even healthy part of childhood,...
Music, which is loved by all age groups, has a way of bringing liveliness to as many as hear it. Strong emotions can be aroused in people when they listen to music. It has the ability to boost the natural stress tolerance level of the body and also nullify negative...
Every child views ghosts, goblins, costumes, and saying trick-or-treat differently. Age appropriate exposure and participation can keep the fun in Halloween and reduce stress and fear. Here are a few of my favorite ghost busting, stress reducing tips for Halloween....
by Rick Lite As the school year winds down, some parents are shifting their focus towards preparing their kids for summer camp. Whether your kids are enrolled in a day camp or sleep-away, getting kids ready for summer camp with the physical items needed is essential....
If your child is experiencing stress, anxiety or bullying at school, these issues can emerge as ‘stomach pain.’ Introducing your child to yoga poses can have a positive effect on these challenges. But there are also physical reasons why kids might have stomach pain....
by June Rousso Ph.D. As a psychologist, I have always been drawn to helping children manage anxiety and fears. I remember first mentioning my desires to an aunt in my teens, who herself was an elementary school teacher, but could not imagine what worries children...
The Olympics are here and most families are watching and talking about our Olympians! Parents and teachers can utilize this exciting platform to explore the attributes seen in our Olympians; honesty, commitment, teamwork, self- belief, and perseverance. Parents want...
by Kerry Wekelo Do you bring your work stress home? The American Institute of Stress states that 80% of workers feel stress on the job. Many are bringing that same stress home to their families, not realizing that children can sense when their parents are stressed....
Going back-to-school can be a stressful time for children of any age. Preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade back-to-school challenges can be especially stressful for early learners. It can stir up various emotions for parents and children. The emotions range from...
Hiking with kids can strengthen family bonds, build self-esteem, introduce responsibility, and provide a host of relaxation moments. Kids get the exercise they need while spending quality family time. Here are tips to keep hiking with kids stress-free: The Right Trail...
By Lori Lite Reducing stress can be as easy as ABC for you and your family. This ABC list makes it fun for children to pick a letter, read, and implement a tip that will reduce stress for the day. When children step through the academic door to learning they also open...
THE “FEELING FAMILY” BALLOON SACKS Happy, sad, angry, frustrated, excited, and even stressed. Emotional intelligence is a vital skill in a child’s development. Understanding feelings and motivators are an integral part of daily life and a more highly tuned emotional...
Does the mention of math cause you and your children to cringe? Today’s parents, teachers, and psychologists know that making math fun reduces stress and enhances the learning experience. Students all over America are struggling with math and science. In a recent...
From the dawn of civilization, music has been used successfully to induce states of physical, mental, and emotional relaxation and to promote healing. The first sound we are ever aware of is the constant rhythm of our mothers’ heartbeats. We are all rhythmic by...
