Cultivate…RELATIONSHIPS with Poetry

Poetry week continues… Here is a fun one by Shel Silverstein, which embodies the “win-win mentality” we’ve discussed in a previous post, but in the poet’s characteristically playful way! Hug O’ WarI’d rather play at hug o’ war,Where everyone hugsInstead of tugsWhere everyone gigglesAnd rolls on the rug,Where everyone kissesAnd everyone grinsAnd everyone cuddlesAnd everyone…

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Cultivate… SAFETY by Creating a Safety Plan for PTSD Symptoms

If you, your child, or another loved one has PTSD, then you probably already know that symptoms of PTSD can be unpredictable in which that they can happen at any moment. Some PTSD symptoms to look out for are avoidance, negative thoughts, and emotional distress. And because it is PTSD Awareness Month and National Safety…

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Cultivate… KNOWLEDGE during PTSD Awareness Month

Did you know June is also PTSD Awareness Month? PTSD, or posttraumatic stress disorder, is a mental health disorder that can be developed after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event such as a natural disaster, car accident, being a victim or witness to violence, or death of a close family member or friend. Research has…

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Cultivate… COMMUNICATION with The Power of Pause

Did you know that taking a moment of silence in between statements is actually an important skill to mindful communication? Children (and adults) who don’t have the skills to control their impulsive behaviors tend to be more reactive (immediate and without conscious thought) than responsive (longer, thoughtful action) in a stressful situation. So when kids…

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Cultivate…KNOWLEDGE about Helping Children Deal with Media Coverage of Community Problems

The Disaster Media Intervention (DMI) Toolkit can help parents or teachers discuss media coverage of traumatic events including racial injustice and police violence, pandemics, natural disasters, shootings, and more. There are three primary goals for discussion with young people: Encourage Dialogue: Encourage students to talk about their feelings and concerns with a trusted adult. Establish a…

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Cultivate…HABITS around Screen Time

Cultivating good habits around screen time is important to child development. In fact, “the more screen time [children] logged, the lower their skills in language, literacy, imagery, and self-regulation. This was even found on a structural level – the white matter tracts within the brain were affected.” (source:https://www.forbes.com/sites/fernandezelizabeth/2019/12/12/screen-time-habits-start-at-a-young-age/#7ca3d7f92471) Still, this is a guilt-free zone, and right now…

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