The Invisible Boy
So-called "invisible" kids are all around us. How can we help them have the happy ending this story gives us?
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Articles
Praise the Process
Perhaps the simplest way to build resilience in kids is to just switch our language. Try this!
A Perfectly Messed Up Story
Kids will love this funny read-aloud book about a kid named Louie whose story just keeps getting ruined. Poor Louie! He can’t tell his story because it keeps getting messed up. Keep reading...
Take in the Good
We've all done it: focused all of our energy on that one negative comment rather than the 100 positive comments. Dr. Rick Hanson explains why.
Time Capsule
We all want our children to be kind and successful, and yet we often don’t fully articulate those visions. Try this!
Vision Statements
Momentous School families write vision statements for their children. Watch this video to learn about the incredible impact this has on our families and teachers.
Stuck
There are plenty of books about persisting with something and thinking outside the box, but few as funny and creative as Stuck. Read our review!
Why I Banned the Word Easy
I know "easy" isn't a bad word in the traditional sense. But here's why I banned it in my classroom.
Mindset
Imagine this: a child gets an A on her spelling test. You tell her, “Great job! You are really smart.” Nothing wrong with that, right?
Building a Championship Team
All year long my fifth grade class talks about champions. What is a champion? Are champions only athletes? Are champions only famous people? Heavens no! All of us can be champions!
How to Manage Test-Taking Anxiety
Our response to a question via Twitter on how to manage test-taking anxiety. Read our tips!
Why I Don't Believe in Corporal Punishment
Momentous Institute’s Jessica Trudeau dives into the topic of corporal punishment. If not spanking, what works? Read on.
What is Trauma?
We’re diving into a series on trauma. We hope to give you a greater understanding of trauma and how it might be affecting the children you work with.
Trauma in Hiding
It has been estimated that each year, over one million children in the United States are misdiagnosed with a mental illness that could be better explained by trauma.
The ACE study
The rougher your childhood is, the more challenges you’ll face later in life. This is the premise behind the ACE study. What is it? Learn more...
Transition Time
Transitions can be tricky. Especially for kids who have experienced trauma. Try these simple strategies to help.
Chase the Why
It's not what's wrong with you, it's what's happened to you. Keep reading...
When Failure Feels Like the End of the World
Many of us are able to bounce back from failure. But for kids who are in trauma, failure can sometimes feel like the end of the world.
The Most Stressful Time of the Year
This time of year can be downright stressful. Here's how to manage.
The First Holiday Season After a Loss
Are you navigating your first holiday season since the loss of a loved one?
Kindness Challenge
Take it beyond teaching kindness - try this activity to put kindness into action.
When Trauma Bubbles Up
You get that feeling in your throat. You don’t know what to say or do. Ask him follow-up questions? Send him to the counselor? Change the subject?
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
We love this TED talk from Dr. Nadine Burke Harris about trauma and health.
The Tooth
Read our book review of The Tooth by Avi Slovdovnick, and check out the video!
Anti - "Black Friday"
There’s nothing wrong with a good Black Friday deal, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds this year, we’ve got an Anti- "Black Friday" suggestion for you.
Our Thanksgiving Traditions
We reached out to everyone on the Momentous staff and asked what everyone does in their own families to show gratitude on Thanksgiving. Here are some of the responses.
You Sit on WHAT?
We previously got rid of chairs in one of our classrooms. What? Keep reading!
An Airplane Ride
When adults go on an airplane, we understand why we’re lining up, or taking our shoes off. But a 2-year-old might find the whole thing a little crazy.
Tell Me a Story
This is a great tool to use for any big experience – the holidays, a trip, a new house, a new baby, a doctor’s appointment.
My Family's Wish for Me
What does my family hope for me? Momentous School students find out.
The Most Magnificent Thing
Have you ever had a wonderful idea? You can just picture it in your head – it’s going to be amazing! Then you go to execute your idea, and – well…
The Real Facebook
Is social media becoming a huge part of your teens' social world? Try this activity to connect with them.
Our Growing Brains
"We were blown away by their responses." Read more about this amazing brain project!
How to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger
Do you have a child who struggles with anger? Check out this must read book.
Write it Down!
When kids have a hard time verbalizing their behavior, try this strategy from our therapeutic group leader, Eric.
Self-Care: My Top Three Suggestions
This is around the time of year when teachers start feeling overwhelmed. Here are Sandy Nobles’ top three self-care suggestions.
How to Manage Attention-Seeking Behavior
We’ve all been there. A child acts out just to get your attention. What do you do?
Family Flag
A family flag can help identify values and help children have a stronger sense of self. Read on…
Keys to Friendship
If we want kids to be good friends, we have to teach them what makes someone a good friend. Try this!
The Most Important Classroom Display
There’s one thing that is found in every single classroom in our school. Read on to learn about the most important classroom display.
Mask
Kids have different parts of themselves that they show to others. Use this strategy to help learn more about a child's complex self.
Changing the Odds Recap (Part Two)
Time for a recap on day two of our Changing the Odds Conference!
Changing the Odds Recap (Part One)
We are all feeling inspired from an amazing two days of learning! Read the recap on day one of the Changing the Odds Conference.
What's in Your Bag?
Have a child fill a bag with a special item from home. Read more...
Self-Portraits
One way to show a child that he is seen and understood is to have him create a self-portrait. Read more...
Why are Relationships So Important?
Safe, predictable, nurturing and loving relationships, especially in the early years of childhood, are critical. Why?
Quitting vs. Failure
What do you do when your 8-year old decides she no longer likes soccer halfway through the season? Do you ask her to stick it out so that she’s not a quitter? Do you teach her to follow through with her commitments? Do you let her walk away?
Hope in Moments of Despair
The goal is to help families find hope in moments of despair. Read on...
Ish
Do you know a kid who gives up when things aren't working out for him? Read "Ish" and remind him that just because we didn't get it right the first time, we definitely shouldn't give up.
Why Should We Teach Kids About Resilience?
There's no way to protect children from encountering obstacles. The best we can do is teach them how to overcome challenges, learn from them, and grow stronger as a result.
Kids Talk: Kindness
Who better to explain kindness than Momentous School student Camila? Couldn't have explained it better ourselves.
Treat Everyone Like a Beautiful Butterfly
"We have to treat everyone like they are the butterfly, not the ugly caterpillar." Read this post from Momentous School Music Teacher Kevin Roberts about a lesson in kindness.
Caught Being Kind
How often do we call attention to kindness? Try this simple strategy!
"Kindness Comes Backs To You"
"Kindness comes backs to you." Let Leo and Kyndall teach you about the importance of kindness in this adorable video.
The Three Gates
A simple tool to encourage kind words is to see if the words would get past the three gates.
How Full is your Bucket?
One of our favorite books about kindness and treating other people with respect!
Home Visits
Momentous School teachers visit each student in his/her home at the start of the school year. Watch this video to learn more about the impact that home visits make on the kids, parents, and teachers all year long.
Magic Kindness Carrier
It's important to teach kindness to young children, but finding ways to be kind can be tricky. Try this: Make a magic wand.... Read more.
Kindness Calendar
Use a kindness calendar to encourage kids to keep kindness a regular part of their lives.
Why Should We Teach Kids About Kindness?
The answer to this question seems pretty obvious. But read on to see why kindness is so important to teach kids.
Empathy Treasure Box
We love this short video that showcases a fun and easy activity that can help build empathy with kids.
Sesame Street: Empathy
Check out this great Sesame Street video on empathy. Perfect for teaching empathy to kids!
Empathy Guessing Game
This is a simple game that can be played anywhere, any time with no props! Read on...
How to Build Empathy in Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma
Kids who have experienced trauma or neglect may have a more difficult time empathizing with others. Read on for strategies.
Those Shoes
Those Shoes is a great book to help teach the concept of empathy. Check out our review.
What is Empathy?
Momentous Institute staff and students share their definition of empathy in this video. Take a look!
Talk About It
Research tells us that kids who engage in meaningful conversations about emotional experiences have higher levels of empathy. Read more...
Kids Talk: Empathy
What is empathy? Delilah, an 8-year old and second grade student at Momentous School can tell you!
Well Wishes
Kids always notice when another student in class is absent. So try building upon that. Send well wishes!
Empathy vs. Sympathy
We love love love this animated video from Brené Brown about the difference between empathy and sympathy.
Why Should We Teach Kids About Empathy?
We’re raising tomorrow’s adults. What kind of friend do you want to be surrounded by? What kind of employee do you want to hire?
Perspective Lens
Get yourself a large magnifying glass and use it as your "perspective lens" to help kids see another person's perspective.
How Would Someone Feel If...
How would someone feel if he found out that his best friend was moving to a new city far away? Try this and other questions to help kids think about another person's perspective.
Blind Lego
For a great game that helps develop perspective taking, look no further than your mismatched Lego collection.
Seven Blind Mice
Like the seven blind mice, kids need to learn the important lesson that we don't always see things in the same ways as others, but that another person's perspective is just as important as our own.
Reset
Stop the cycle of winning/losing a battle. Introduce the reset and stop the battle right in its tracks.
Battleship
Remember the game Battleship? Take the game to a new level by building in some perspective-taking questions.
Want to Feel Hopeful about the Future?
Want to feel hopeful about the future? Start prioritizing social emotional health.
Brain City
Just like cities are made up of small and large buildings, so are our brains! Read how one Momentous School teacher got creative with this idea and created Brain City.
Friendly Wishes
An important element of social emotional health is kindness. In each interaction, we have the choice to be kind or unkind
Empathy and Optimism Research
At Momentous Institute, we talk all the time about social emotional health. We say, “This stuff matters” and “This stuff works!” As a researcher, I wanted to substantiate these claims with data. So I began a research study about the effects of our social emotional curriculum on academic outcomes.
Settle Your Glitter
The glitter ball is our favorite tool for helping kids (and adults) learn to calm down their brains to make good decisions and think clearly.
Why We Should Teach Kids About Their Brain
We believe that kids should be taught at an early age about the basic working of the brain. Why? Read on.
Brain Basics
What does a child need to know about the brain? We break it down and share the three basics that we believe children should learn.
Create Your Own Glitter Jar
A simple art project that teaches us about the brain and helps us calm down? Sign us up! Read on to learn how to make your very own glitter jar.
The Power of Yet
One simple three-letter word can totally transform a message and encourage kids to keep trying. Read on to learn more about this magic word!
Our Model of Social Emotional Health
Our work at Momentous Institute is based upon a model we developed for social emotional health. Read this post to learn about what steps are involved in building and repairing social emotional health in children.
Family Core Values, Part One
How can an understanding of core values help guide families to success in a therapeutic setting?
The Whole-Brain Child
The Whole-Brain Child is one of our favorite books for anyone who works with kids. Read this quick review, and then grab a copy and read the whole thing!
Zoom
Just when you think you know where you are, the perspective changes. Check out our book review for Zoom by Istvan Banyai.
Family Core Values, Part Two
How do we talk about core values with the families at Momentous School? Read this post from first grade teacher Ashley Stephenson.
Mindful Analogies
Momentous Institute Psychologist Dr. Matt Leahy discusses using mindful analogies to answer the question, "Why am I in therapy?"
Name Change
Try this simple name change trick to have a deep, rich conversation with a child.
The Magic Sunglasses
Perspective taking is all about looking at things in a different way. Sometimes that can be really, really difficult for kids. The magic sunglasses are a concrete way to get the idea through to them, and it makes a huge difference.
Videos
Harllee Partner Project - Amber Shields
Harllee's new principal, Amber Shields, talks about her excitement in starting her first year as Principal for Harllee Early Childhood Center and working with Momentous!
Safe Relationships | Non-Directive Play
Non-Directive play can be critical in developing meaningful relationships with children. Clinician, Jeannette Grisales, fills us in!
Safe Relationships | Students Who Pull Away
Trying to build Safe Relationships with students who pull away is very difficult, but it's important to be consistent. Stephanie McGary talks about ways to pull those kids back in.
Classroom Strategy: Appreciations
Momentous School teacher Jennifer Hartmann shares a simple classroom strategy that helps all students develop a sense of belonging in the classroom.
Mindful Breathing with Young Students
Momentous School Pre-K3 teacher Juanita Cabrales explains how she uses mindful breathing three times each day.
Peaceful Classroom Transitions
Learn how Momentous School's art teacher, Talitha Kiwiet, uses mindfulness practices to help students transition in and out of the art classroom.
Pass the Cup
Here's a quick strategy to help students focus attention. All you need are cups and water!
Positive Discipline
Momentous Institute's Director of Education shares how she approaches discipline with social emotional health in mind.
The Eric: A Breathing Exercise
Momentous School student Eric leads you through an original breathing exercise
What is Empathy?
Momentous Institute staff and students share the definition of empathy.
Home Visits
Before the start of each new academic year, Momentous School teachers visit students at their homes. This helps build a great relationship between home and school.
Home Visits 101
Learn more about how Momentous School visits each of our Pre-K families in their home throughout their first year. Home visits help strengthen the parent-school connection and set students up for success both at school and at home.
Got Stress? Strategy: Breathe
Got Stress? Try this simple strategy: just breathe. John Edmonson of Momentous Institute shows you how.
Got Stress? Strategy: Shake it Off
Got Stress? Try this simple strategy: shake it off. John Edmonson of Momentous Institute shows you how.
Got Stress? Stress and the Brain
Got Stress? Frankie Perez and Fred Lines of Momentous Institute explain stress in a way that is easy to understand. Make sure to check out our Got Stress? strategies!
Got Stress? Strategy: Take a Knee
Got Stress? Try this simple strategy: take a knee. Fred Lines of Momentous Institute shows you how.
Got Stress? Strategy: Know Your Cat Hair
Got Stress? Time to find out what your cat hair is. Fred Lines of Momentous Institute explains.
Got Stress?
Got Stress? Watch Momentous Institute experts explain toxic stress and four simple strategies to combat it.
Got Stress? 4 Strategies
Got Stress? Momentous Institute experts share four simple strategies to combat it.
Kids Talk: Empathy
Momentous School student Delilah shares about empathy in the Kids Talk series
Kids Talk: The Brain
Momentous School Kindergarten student Taryn shares about the brain in the Kids Talk series
Kids Talk: Breathing
Momentous School Pre-K student Faith shared about breathing in this adorable video
Kids Talk: Feelings
Momentous School second-grader Jared talks about feeings in the Kids Talk series.
Kids Talk: Kindness
Momentous School student Camila wants to teach you a lesson about kindness.
Flash Focus on Relationships
Flash Focus on Relationships, a presentation from staff at Momentous Institute. Jennifer Hartmann shares about Relationships: The Difference that Makes a Difference.
A Day in the Life of Momentous School
What is a typical day for Momentous School? Check out this video to learn more about how we infuse social emotional health into everything that we do.
Vision Statements
We believe that all parents truly want the best for their children and have high hopes and dreams for their futures. At Momentous School, we ask all parents to complete a vision statement for their child. We use these to help guide our students and to refocus on the big picture if things go off-track. We encourage every school to add vision statements to their beginning of the year routine!
Kids Talk: Breathing at Home
Momentous School student Kai talks about how he used mindful breathing at home.
Classroom Strategy: Tic Toc
Momentous School 3-year-old class, led by Juanita Cabrales, do a mindful activity from Susan Kaiser Greenland called Tic-Toc.
Angelo: Empathy
Momentous School student Angelo tells us about a time when he had empathy for a friend.
Kids Talk: Emotions
Momentous School kindergarten students want us to know that we all have emotions.
What is a Glitter Ball?
Momentous School students Trent, Sussan, and Adriana teach us about our favorite tool, the glitter ball.
Faith: Hoberman Sphere
Cute alert! Practice your mindful breathing with Momentous School student Faith.
Mindfulness in the Classroom
Want to know how we incorporate mindfulness into the classroom at Momentous School? Watch this short video to learn more.
Momentous School Tour
Learn more about Momentous School, a lab school in Dallas, Texas dedicated to social emotional health.
Kids Talk: Parts of the Brain
Momentous School students teach us about the three main parts of the brain.
Classroom Strategy: Pass the Bell
This classroom strategy teaches students how to focus on one activity while also learning spatial awareness and teamwork.
Kids Talk: Amygdala Breathing
Momentous School second-grader Derek takes us through his amygdala breathing exercise.
Flipped Classroom Agreements
We're all familiar with classroom agreements, but have you considered adding agreements for what students can expect from their teacher? Learn more in this quick video.
Teacher Tips: Self-Care Strategies
3 self-care practices to help teachers prepare for the upcoming school year.
Teacher Tips: Expectations and Procedures
Classroom expectations and procedures for teachers to consider in preparation for the school year.
Back to School: Parent Prep for Younger Children
Parents, as you're getting your little one prepared for the first day of school, getting yourself prepared is just as important.
Back to School: Parent Prep for Older Children
Parents, the big day is almost here! Here are a few tips to help with your child's transition into the new school year.
Flip the Clip
Most teachers are familiar with the classic clip chart, a behavior management technique designed to help students control their behavior and make good choices. Flip the Clip turns this concept into a method that is positive, respectful and results in a classroom culture with strong social emotional health.
What is Social Emotional Health
Learn more about how we define social emotional health - and why we believe it is so important.
The Brain Song
Momentous School 3 year olds perform "The Brain Song" by their teacher, Juanita Cabrales. Enjoy!
Kids Talk: Chimes
Kindergartner Natalie teaches us about using the chime and breathing time - Thanks, Natalie!
Don't Stress the Test: Self-Care for Teachers
Testing can be just as stressful for teachers as it is for our students, so it's important to remember to take time for ourselves during this time.
Breathing Strategy: Flower and Candle
A quick and easy breathing strategy we use here at Momentous, which gives our students something concrete to imagine and help with deep breathing. It can be done anywhere at anytime!
Kids Talk: Hoberman Sphere
3rd grader, Faith, tells us why she likes using the Hoberman Sphere to help with her breathing!
How are Feelings Like a Rollercoater?
Life can be full of ups and downs, just like riding a roller-coaster. Visit our blog to download your own sheet so kids can draw out their emotions like a rollercoaster.
Breathing Strategy: Box Breathing
Momentous School Principal, Daniel Knoll, tells us how he utilized box breathing in the classroom. Take this strategy with you anywhere since no materials are needed!
The Glitter Ball
The glitter ball is our favorite strategy for helping kids understand the power of breathing to calm their big emotions.
Safe Relationships: Consistency and Predictability
Creating safe relationships in the classroom can be your number one priority as a teacher, but it can be daunting. Each student is different, so how can you connect with them in a safe and meaningful way? Our very own, Keisha Wright, opens up the conversation!
Breathing Strategy: Anchor Breathing
5th grade Teacher, Meredith Gunter, shows us how to utilize anchor spots when breathing.
Safe Relationships: Common Interests
If you're looking to create safe relationships with students in the classroom, one easy way is to connect with them through shared, common interests. Our own Matthew Leahy, Ph.D. explains!
Safe Relationships: Praise
As teachers, we tend to focus on the negative of what students are outputting, but when building safe relationships, it's important to not be afraid to praise students on their efforts! Lauren Mann, Ph. D. tells us more about it!
Tips for Handling the Summer as a Parent
Summer's can be especially daunting for parents, but we're here to help give a few tips on how to make the most of your child being home over the break.
The Science of Breathing
Ever wondered how the simple act of breathing can affect your body? Well, you're in luck! Our own Jordan Watts gives a quick rundown in our new series.
Safe Relationships: Postures of Curiosity and Playfulness
Here are two postures to consider while teaching: a posture of Curiosity and a posture of Playfulness. The most important thing with utilizing these postures in the classroom - do what feels the most comfortable and genuine for yourself!
The Hand Model of the Brain
Try this quick way to explain the brain with your hand. We love this concept from Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
Safe Relationships: Language
Have you wondered how language can affect your relationship with the children in your home or classroom? Our own Karen Dumas explains!
Classroom Strategy: Friendly Wishes
Try using Friendly Wishes to have your students practice empathy for their friends and classmates!
Safe Relationships: Attunement
Our own Fred Lines explains attunement and mindful tracking in the classroom!
Safe Relationships: Adults on Campus
One of the keys to building safe relationships with students is making sure the adults on campus have safe relationships among themselves. Vickie Echols fills us in!
Safe Relationships: The Pressure of Building Relationships
Building Safe Relationships with your students is not an easy task, especially when you're working under academic pressure. We all want our kids to do well, so Kelly Richmond gives us 3 easy steps to remember when working towards safe relationships (chances are you might be doing them without realizing!).
Safe Relationships: Students Who Pull Away
Trying to build Safe Relationships with students who pull away is very difficult, but it's important to be consistent. Stephanie McGary talks about ways to pull those kids back in.
Safe Relationships: Non-Directive Play
Non-Directive play can be critical in developing meaningful relationships with children. Clinician Jeannette Grisales fills us in!
Harllee Partner Project: Amber Shields
Harllee's new principal, Amber Shields, talks about her excitement in starting her first year as Principal for Harllee Early Childhood Center and working with Momentous!
1 Minute Breakdown: Building Cognitive Empathy
What's a reliable way to build cognitive empathy with your kids? Sometimes just talking about feelings is the best route to take.
1 Minute Breakdown: Perspective Taking
Practicing perspective taking is a great way to help kids form empathy!
Back to School: Time and Space
When hoping to build safe relationships with a new class after summer break, it's important to consider your space (the learning environment) and time!
Back to School: Ruptures and Repairs
Ruptures and mistakes can be fairly common to classrooms and, although they are unfortunate, they can be used to further build repairs with your students by focusing on repairing those mistakes or ruptures.
My Brain Music Video
My brain is the most important part of me! Allow these Perea Elementary Students in Memphis, Tennessee to teach you about their brain in this catchy song written by LaChelle Walker.
1 Minute Breakdown: Earned Secure Attachment
Our own Dr. Aileen Fullchange explains how someone can earn a secure attachment style throughout their lifetime.
1 Minute Breakdown: It's Not Personal
When dealing with children who might be dealing with some overwhelming emotions, it's important to remember that it's not personal.
Cup and Saucer
Next time your child or student is having a hard time handling their emotions, remember that their cup is still growing!
The Science of the Brain
Momentous School Principal, Daniel Knoll, gives us a little insight into our brains!
The Science of Gratitude
Can being grateful actually benefit your health? Listen in to our own Tina Robertson as she explains how there's more to gratitude than just saying "thank you."
Teaching Strategies | Thankful Pumpkins
Thanksgiving is around the corner and a great way to be festive while teaching gratitude is utilizing Thankful Pumpkins! Use this with your students or children!
The Science of Trauma
Trauma is a pretty daunting word, but it doesn't have to be! Our own Summer Rose lays the foundation on what trauma means and how you can battle it.
2nd Grade Service Project
For our 2nd grade service project, the students worked together in organizing the different grades and faculty to bring in hats and gloves to the Joppa community here in South Dallas.
Home Strategies | Bubbles
Here's how you can use bubbles for learning! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.
Home Strategies | Puff Balls
Use puff balls for tracking, sensory learning, and as objects to find around the house! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.
Home Strategies | Cheerios
Use Cheerios for working on fine motor skills with a peanut jar, water bottle, or any container you have! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.
Home Strategies | Beep Honk
This fun activity is great for introducing new sounds and words to your little ones! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.
The Science of Empathy
What is empathy and why is it important? Whether its for creating long lasting relationships, or just helping to understand different perspectives, empathy is a vital tool that everyone has access to! Learn more!
Webinar | Parenting During a Pandemic: Tools for Supporting Preschool Aged Children
From our May 15, 2020 webinar, Stephanie F. McGary, LPC, RPT and Tara Becker, LMSW discuss parenting tips for sharing COVID-19 news, managing fears and how to keep learning going at home.
Webinar | How to Prioritize Teachers' Mental Health
From our April 24, 2020 webinar, Daniel Knoll, M.Ed., and Tina Robertson, LCSW, discuss ways to support teachers' mental health as they navigate distance learning.
Webinar | Distance Social Emotional Learning
From our April 30, 2020 webinar, Daniel Knoll, M.Ed. and Rhonda Vincent, Ph.D., discuss ways to facilitate social emotional learning while teaching remotely.
The Breathing Stick Tutorial
By using a pipe cleaner, some beads, and a little bit of twisting, you could help kids make a tool that helps reinforce the self-regulating power of breath awareness.
Hand Model of the Brain - Animated
Try this quick way to explain the brain with your hand. We love this concept from Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. Be sure to check out our other brain related content here on this blog!
Feelings Thermometer - Animated
When a child is stuck in a feeling, it can be hard for them to even imagine feeling any differently. Enter the feelings thermometer! Watch the video to learn more!
Toss that Thought! - Animated
It can be hard to be optimistic when negative thoughts are weighing us down. Sometimes kids need a way to get rid of the negativity before they can move on.
Podcasts
Episode 1: The Growing Brain and How it Works
In this episode, we talk all about the brain. How are children's brains wired and developed over time? What should parents know about the growing brain? Learn this and more in the first episode of The Growing Brain.
Episode 2: Positive Discipline
We've never met a child who has never misbehaved, so every parent needs to know how to effectively use discipline. In this episode, we learn discipline strategies that help build children's capacity to make good choices.
Episode 3: What is Attachment?
The amazing Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, co-author of New York Times best-sellers The Whole-Brain Child and No Drama Discipline gives us the run down on attachment. What is it, and why should parents know about it?
Episode 4: Making Sense of The Teen Years
Teenagers! There's so much to love, and also… a few things to be curious, worried or just confused about. In this episode, we dive into what's happening in the brain of teenagers, and how parents can respond.
Episode 5: How to Help Children Manage Big Changes
Children moving to new homes, switching schools, dealing with a parent's divorce... learn strategies for helping children manage these important moments in their lives.
Episode 6: Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Each child has his or her own temperament, and each parent does, too. In this episode, we explore different temperaments and how this knowledge can help parents best respond to their children.
Episode 7: Technology & Kids: What You Need to Know
Pre-teen begging for a smart phone? Toddler anxious for more screen time? In this episode, we talk about the good and the bad with technology, including social media, texting, cyber bullying, and more.
Episode 8: Effective School Communication
Every parent who sends a child to school deals with appropriate ways to communicate effectively with the school. We talk about parent conferences, how to respond when things aren't going well, and other tips for getting started on the right foot.
Episode 9: Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children
How can we raise children who are aware of their own feelings and the feelings of others? Looking for simple ways to weave emotional intelligence into your daily life? Look no further.
Episode 10: How to Talk to Kids about the News
In today's 24-hour news cycle, it can be difficult to know when - and how - to talk to kids about what is happening. How much is too much? How do we talk about difficult things in an age-appropriate way? How do we respond to their questions? In this episode, we'll look at answers to these questions and more.
Episode 11: Building Sibling Relationships
Two or more kids? This episode is for you. We’re talking about ways to build strong relationships between siblings, how to manage competition, sibling rivalry, and much more.
Episode 12: Managing those Dreaded Tantrums
We’ve all been there. There’s nothing worse than a poorly timed tantrum in the middle of a busy day. But in this episode, we discuss ways to manage tantrums in the moment, and even how to avoid them altogether (at least sometimes!).
Episode 13: A Healthy Night's Sleep
We all know sleep is important. But why? What happens when children sleep? How much do they need? How can we ensure they get quality sleep? Learn all about sleep in this episode with guest Dr. Laura Vogel.
Episode 14: Understanding Boys
Certainly all children are different, but there are many commonalities among boys. Diving into all things boys is guest Dr. Matthew Leahy who shares his learning from the past decade of working with boys.
Episode 15: Understanding Girls
What should parents know about how girls operate in the world? How should we prepare for the teen years? What is important to girls? In this episode we dive into all things girls with guest Tania Loenneker.
Episode 16: Helping Kids with Sensory Challenges
Itchy tags, bright lights, loud noises, a constant need to be touched – these can all be signs of children with sensory challenges. Join guest Amelia Baladez to learn more about what parents can know to help manage sensory challenges at home and out in the world.
Episode 17: Helping Parents Manage Anxiety in Children, Part 1
In this two-part series, we’ll discuss what anxiety looks like in children, and what we can do to best support children who suffer from anxiety. This episode features guest Dr. Ernie Fernandez, a local pediatrician, about the medical aspect of anxiety – what is happening in the brain, medication, and more.
Episode 18: Helping Parents Manage Anxiety in Children, Part 2
This episode features therapist Gaby Satarino who dives into the mental health aspect of anxiety. What does social anxiety look like in children and teens, what is behind the behavior, and what can we do about it?
Episode 19: ADHD: Now What?
In this episode we dive into all things ADHD with guest Ivette Lampl, a therapist who has spent her career working with kids with ADHD, and is a mom of two kids with ADHD.
Episode 20: How to Advocate for your Child who has Special Needs at School
For parents who are starting the journey of special education services, this episode is for you.
Episode 21: Managing Healthy Relationships
Learn the warning signs of unhealthy relationships and tips for conversations with kids with guest Dena Kohleriter.