Counseling Connections

Wondering if your child's level of anxiety is normal? How about what you should do when they're stuck in a negative thinking pattern? Maybe you're looking for tips and tricks? Check out the webpages below for more helpful information:

What's Normal/When to Seek Help

All About Anxiety from the Child Mind Institute

What Not To Say

Any time we're met with a situation or feeling we don't like, we employ coping skills to keep ourselves calm. Kids need help figuring out what works for them and here are just a few that might be helpful:

Quick Draw

Change to Chill

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems

Coping Skills Parent Presentation by Mrs. Dreher

It is important that our children understand that feels are normal and are a-okay. Teach them to identify feelings but also how to control the actions they take. It is okay to feel however you feel, it is never okay to hurt someone or something because you feel that way. Check out the links below:

Handling Anger

When I'm Upset

Identifying Feelings with Kimochis

Many children and even adults view the world from a fixed mindset. The goal is to get our students viewing the world from a growth mindset--teaching them this will change their approach to challenges they face daily. Check out the differences and what to do below:

Change Your Words, Change Your Mindset

Growth vs. Fixed

Instead of Thinking This....Think That

Kids aren't born knowing how to calm themselves down. We must teach and show them. The links below are just a small sampling of activities you can practice with your child.

Sesame Street on Breathing

Square Breathing
Easy Relaxation for Kids

Melting

Whale Breath

Rainbow Breath

Get Back on Track

Sometimes we all just need to think of something else. Maybe we're frustrated or sad, maybe we need a break from the here & now. What better way to do that than to watch some tropical fish in their natural habitat or penguins or even baby eagles? Check out the links below when you need to focus on something else for a while.

Shark Lagoon

Jellyfish Tank

Tropical Reef Habitat

Waimea Bay & Beach in Oahu, Hawaii

Cayman Reef in Grand Cayman Islands

Catalina Island Eagles in California

Penguin Beach in Long Beach, California

Guide Dogs of America Nursery

Outdoor Puppy Pen in Maryland

Kitten Rescue Sanctuary in Los Angeles, California

Music is amazing and a great distractor. Listening to music or even nature sounds can help you or your child to reset the thoughts that aren't so great and are taking up space in your head. Check these out:

Piano Music

Rain, Thunder, & Lightning

Relaxing Guitar Music

Zen Flute

Sometimes we just need something pretty or entertaining to take our mind off other things. Check out these fun ideas below:

Glitter Tunnel Vision

Candlelight

Snow

Waves on the Beach