Cultivate…COPING by giving children a chance for change

It is not uncommon for children to experience anxiety when change occurs. From transitioning grades to families moving into an entirely new school district, changes for some students could potentially result in difficulties in academics, social and emotional problems, and increased rates of dropouts. However, these changes are provide children with the chance to learn…

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Cultivate…COPING in non-addictive ways of handling anger

Addictive coping mechanisms? That’s right! Much like behavioral scientists understand alcohol and substance abuse as an addiction to a method of coping, they understand a range of other behaviors as addictive as well. This includes gambling, hoarding, and sex addiction. More recently, scientists are viewing anger through the lens of addiction theory as well. Ever…

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Cultivate…COPING by validating the “feeling” but not necessarily the “coping mechanism”

Feelings are a normal part of the human experience, but often we shame children for certain feelings. Or we send the message that they should be able to “control” their feelings. Some research suggests that this can actually produce anxiety in children, who feel they must be in control of all of their emotions. Instead,…

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Cultivate…COPING by teaching your child proper deep breathing to interrupt flight or fight response

Ask your child to lie on his/her back. Ask your child to close her/his eyes and breathe normally while paying attention to all the parts of his/her body that move when she/he breathes. Ask him/her to place one hand on her/his upper chest and the other on his/her stomach. Tell your child to inhale through…

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