Reframing Negative Self-Talk

Did you know your brain has a negativity bias? That’s right. Your brain is actually wired to see negative context first and you have to work extra hard to think positively. In some ways, this is a strength because it allows us to best protect ourselves against danger. Although, it can also contribute to a lot of the pain, anger, and burnout we experience in our jobs, our relationships, and other parts of our lives. The good news is that we can change the neurochemistry of our brains by consistently practicing new ways of thinking.

Bibliotherapy- Expected and Unexpected Behaviors

During this time, you may notice an increase in tantrums, yelling and fighting between siblings. Changing the way we view behavior is an important step in positive parenting. Children use behavior to communicate when they cannot articulate what they are feeling. As parents, we can often find ourselves using language such as “you’re being good” or “stop being bad”.

Take Me Back to the Good Old Days

I was sitting on the couch with my husband, eating my favorite chips from childhood, and watching a movie from the 80’s, when I asked, “Do you think our kids are regressing during all of this?” I knew the answer. In some ways the regressions were positive: more imaginary play, time away from structured activities lead to more free play, and more independence.

Parenting During a Pandemic

Now being in almost week seven of quarantine, who wishes there was a book on parenting during a pandemic?? This is all not normal, but it is our new normal for now. I know limiting screen time has gone out the window in many households, so parents can have a break or work from home.

Parenting Styles

Recently, a lot of parents have shared with me that they feel they should be a “do as I say, because I said so” parent, also known as an authoritarian parent. This is what parents often turn to because they were raised like this, and it might feel like it is the only way to maintain authority.

Mindful Sundays for kids

noticed a few years ago that a bit of tension stays with me on Sundays. I might be a bit shorter in my responses with my husband, feel a bit more tension in my body, or a bit of dread in my body. It’s funny that I feel this way every Sunday because I love my job. I created my job, and I’m my own boss, but even I am susceptible to Sunday Scaries.

Burnout.

While this is a relatively new term, the idea is timeless and remains highly prevalent in conversations today. Burnout is sturdily linked to stressors related to health, relationships, and work; and the epidemic is only getting worse. As of this year, burnout is no longer just a feeling word. The World Health Organization has publicly recognized the severe impacts burnout has on physical, emotional, and mental health and has officially categorized the phenomenon as a medical condition.

Bibliotherapy-Parent and Professional Resources for Anger

Bibliotherapy is a creative art therapeutic approach that uses literature to aid in the therapy process. Children’s books can be an excellent clinical tool to support children’s exploration and understanding of their world and life experiences. This is a great tool I often give to parents in order to continue the therapeutic work outside of the office. Many children identify with the characters in the book because they are overcoming the same obstacles. Over the next few weeks, I am going to provide a list of books that can help kids over come different obstacles from anger to anxiety. This week I’m sharing books on anger.

School Readiness Camp: Frustration Tolerance and Communication Skills

Welcome to the third and final week of my blog series featuring all six topics covered in Heights Family Counseling’s week long School Readiness Camp. This week’s blog will take a closer look at frustration tolerance and communication/listening skills. Below are links to 3 of my previous blogs.

School Readiness Camp-What to Expect/Expected and Unexpected Behaviors

Have you been thinking about signing your child up for Heights Family Counseling’s School Readiness Camp, but aren’t sure if it will get a good fit? Perhaps this is the first time you are hearing about the camp and want to know a little bit more about it. This week’s blog will delve deeper into the camp’s format and a couple of topics covered. Check out my last blog for more on group counseling, the benefits of group counseling, and how to talk to your child about group counseling.

Building Impulse Control

Impulse control is an essential skill for completing daily tasks. Impulse control takes place in our prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that manages executive functions. Children’s brains are continually growing and certain activities can help facilitate growth.

Your Explosive Child

“Challenging kids are lacking the skills of flexibility, adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem solving” – Dr. Ross Greene

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