Last updated on May 4th, 2020 at 12:01 pmUp and down, over and under, so the roller coaster goes. Are you worn out just thinking about it? Life with an intense child is like a ride on a roller coaster, some moments are thrilling, others calm, still others fear-inducing. Intense kids feel so powerfully, they see more, hear more acutely and feel more deeply. Of course, they have to share all of it with...
Last updated on December 10th, 2019 at 02:26 amFollowing our conscience can be tough at any age. But, for children, whose conscience is still developing, it can be a real challenge. So, how can you raise your child to do the right thing when faced with a dilemma? Here are some helpful hints to get (and keep) your child on the right track. • Lead by Example – We all have situations that require...
Last updated on September 2nd, 2019 at 07:52 pmWhile I was kicking the soccer ball with a nine-year-old boy this week, it struck me that family conversations like The Family Meeting really need to be conducted outside in the fresh air. Who likes to be cooped up around the dinner table talking about what needs improving? I actually like the dinner table, ’cause it provides structure for conversations...
Last updated on November 2nd, 2018 at 11:11 pmAll children benefit from learning relaxation skills. One of the most commonly used and effective relaxation skills is deep breathing. Deep breathing (also known as diaphragmatic breathing) involves slow, deep breaths through the diaphragm to initiate the body’s relaxation response. Relaxation skills are important to master because they can help children...
Last updated on September 27th, 2018 at 02:09 pmThinking, speaking or acting impulsively without planning or thinking things out poses social challenges for children. We can help children better manage their impulsive thoughts, words, and actions by using a storytelling activity we call The Thought Bubble Technique. In this visual conversation activity, we help children think, write, draw, and talk...
Last updated on June 22nd, 2018 at 01:48 amThe social-emotional development of our nation’s children is foremost in our minds. We have all hugged our children and expressed gratitude for their health and well-being. We pray for those families who now are hurting so deeply. Some of whom are very close to our own hearts. When life is difficult or complicated and our children are in a stress-response,...