Calm and Connected Podcast: Recent Episodes
Janine Halloran
Calm and Connected is created by Janine Halloran, an experienced counselor and mom. Janine gives quick tips and helpful information about coping skills and play
CALM AND CONNECTED - EPISODE 166
How do you encourage your kids to be more independent? When do you as a parent step back to give them the space to step up?
Lenore Skenazy joins Janine today to discuss some of these questions. They discuss:
The importance of play and how it relieves stress
Bodily reaction to fear and avoidance to fear
Playing across mixed age groups
The skills you learn when you play
The Let Grow Program
Setting tasks for your kids to do on their own without a parent there
Passive kids and problem solving
Kids having the concierge life
How Lenore likes to rest and relax
About The Guest - Lenore Skenazy
After her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm, Lenore got the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.” (Google it!) She went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement that says our kids are smarter, safer, and stronger than our culture gives them credit for!
Lenore has lectured everywhere from DreamWorks to Microsoft to Harvard Med School, Yale Child Study Center -- and the Bulgarian Happiness Festival! (For real.) On TV, you may have seen her on The Today Show, The Daily Show or her own reality show, World’s Worst Mom.
In 2017 Lenore co-founded Let Grow, the nonprofit promoting childhood independence, with three others, including Jonathan “The Anxious Generation” Haidt. She is its president.
Lenore lives in New York City with her husband and beloved computer. Her children are gainfully employed. (Phew!) And, for the record, she used to write for Mad Magazine. Yep. MAD. But now she's so serious that here is her piece on "Independence as Therapy" in The New York Times.
Website - https://letgrow.org/
For parents: https://letgrow.org/program/parents-and-families/
For schools/teachers/admins/counselors: https://letgrow.org/program/educators/
For therapists: https://letgrow.org/program/independence-therapy/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/759938234394061
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
CALM AND CONNECTED - EPISODE 165
What does it mean to be a tech intentional family? Now phones, ipads and other forms of technology are in most areas of life. There’s no size that fits all and what works for you and your family will look so different to your next door neighbor and the other parents you meet at the school gate. So where do you begin?
In today’s episode Janine speaks to Emily about:
How to get a balance of technology in our homes
How to talk to your child about tech
Mental health and bullying through tech
Talking our life out loud when we’re using our tech
Texting your child at school
Being a role model with how you use tech
The ‘I forgot’ technique
What Emily does to rest and relax
About The Guest - Emily Cherkin
Emily Cherkin, M.Ed., The Screentime Consultant, empowers parents to understand and balance family screentime by inspiring a movement around becoming tech-intentional. As a mother of two (12 & 16) and former teacher, she is intimately familiar with the daunting challenges facing families in today’s highly digitized world.
Emily’s book, The Screentime Solution: A Judgment-Free Guide to Becoming a Tech-Intentional Family, was published in January 2024 by Greenleaf Book Group.
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-screentime-consultant-llc/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thescreentimeconsultant/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thescreentimeconsultant/
Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ScreentimeLlc
Resources mentioned in the podcast episode:
The Screentime Solution: A Judgment-Free Guide to Becoming a Tech-Intentional Family
Amazon book page: https://www.amazon.com/Screentime-Solution-Judgment-Free-Becoming-Tech-Intentional/dp/B0CB9JS5KB
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Play is such a powerful way for kids you learn ANYTHING including coping skills. Games can also be a way to help us learn and identify the feelings we have. Plus being a lot of fun along the way!
In this episode Janine discusses 3 specific examples:
Playing Jenga® - The use of jenga as a way of discussing feelings or getting to know you or your child better
Make your own board game - Using questions and ice breaker questions to make your own games. Whether that's using poster board or a piece of software online called Genially.
Create a Cube - Print out a cube, build it, and write a coping strategy on each side. When you roll it, you have to do the coping strategy or activity you land on.
There are lots more games and activities you could try that are available in the Coping Skills Hub. Learn more by visiting copingskillsforkids.com/hub
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Friendships are such a wonderful and special part of life. From memory making to going through the highs and lows with your peers makes life so much richer. As a child, learning social skills and how friendships fit is a huge learning curve as they go through their childhood and find their ‘people’. As a parent, how do you connect and how do you teach your kids basic social skills and about what a great friendship can be?
Today Janine is joined by Caroline Maguire and in this episode they discuss:
The importance of friendship
How as a parent you connect with your child
Talking about your friendships as part of teaching social skills
Being a social spy
What you want out of a friendship
The power of role play games
Resilience and friendship
The myths around best friends
How Caroline rests and relaxes
About The Guest - Caroline Maguire
Caroline Maguire, ACCG, PCC, M.Ed., is an award-winning author, coach, teacher, and keynote speaker whose work has inspired important conversations about social skills, friendship and belonging. She earned her undergraduate degree at Trinity College and her Masters of Education at Lesley University. Caroline has been a rock for thousands of people who struggle to make friends. Her book “Why Will No One Play With Me?” has won several awards, including the Best Book Award from American Book Fest, Mom’s Choice Award for Honoring Excellence, and Book Authority’s award for Best ADHD Books of All Time.
carolinemaguireauthor.com
https://carolinemaguireauthor.com/strengthen-executive-function-skills-early-childhood/
Caroline Maguire - YouTube
Caroline Maguire - Facebook
Caroline Maguire - Instagram
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Resources mentioned in the podcast episode:
Why Will No One Play with Me? By Caroline Maguire
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘gratitude’? Is gratitude something you display or practice each day? Practicing and looking for what’s gone well in the day is a great routine to get into in order to get past the tougher moments.
In this episode we discuss:
What emotions we display when we aren’t practicing gratitude
Saying the things we’re grateful for out loud
The power of Journaling
Looking at the small things beyond the ‘To Do List’ including:
Nature
Our friendships
Pets
Writing thank you notes to the people who you’re thankful for
Coping Skills for Adults: https://copingskillsforkids.com/coping-skills-for-adults
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
During the week what physical exercise do you do? Or which would you like to do? Today Janine looks at movement coping styles, specifically big body movement and how exercise helps your mental health and not just your physical and cognitive functioning. Did you know that those who exercise have fewer days of poor mental health than those who don’t exercise. But what is the best activity for you and your lifestyle?
This episode discusses:
Thinking about the exercise type that makes you feel relaxed, something that you want to do and is sustainable in the long term.
The small day to day moments of movement, like kitchen dance parties
Group exercise and the social side that can come from being with people
How exercise needs to bring joy to the person
Other examples of physical exercise you could try.
Coping Skills for Adults: https://copingskillsforkids.com/coping-skills-for-adults
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
We don’t always have the time to relax and stop during a busy day when we head to work or school. Today Janine encourages us to take mini mindful moments and use our senses to create some pause points.
In this episode Janine discusses:
Sight - noticing things around you that you wouldn’t usually notice and look for
Taste - taking a mindful sip, whether that's your first sip of coffee in the morning or a bite at meal time
Listening - creating playlists for different moods and choosing when to put these on. Listening to audiobooks or podcasts
The book the Highly Sensitive Child by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.
Thinking about what overwhelms you via your senses and how to mitigate overwhelm
Coping Skills for Adults: https://copingskillsforkids.com/coping-skills-for-adults
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Playing is one of the biggest stress relievers in adults just as much as kids. It can help us look at life differently, have a break from life, be creative and lift your mood. In this episode Janine mentions a book called Play by Stuart Brown and Christopher Vaughan and some of the areas of play which are helpful tips and reminders.
In this episode Janine discusses:
How play removes stress for adults as well as kids
The importance of taking a ‘play break’
How to integrate play in your day as an adult
What a playful attitude can look like
Thinking about what you enjoy and incorporating these back into life now.
Coping Skills for Adults: https://copingskillsforkids.com/coping-skills-for-adults
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
What do you enjoy and makes you happy? Knowing what is really important to you, may be different to other people and how your mind and body works is really key to finding the best relaxation strategies for you. Some strategies will work some days and may work better on different days.
Today in the episode we’ll discuss the following strategies:
Imagining your favorite place
Tracing shapes and letters
Body Scan/Muscle Relaxation
Grounding techniques
Looking for different colors or shapes
Naming things around you
Coping Skills for Adults: https://copingskillsforkids.com/coping-skills-for-adults
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Have you ever felt like you’re in fight, flight and freeze mode? Does the situation you’re facing feel really intense and you need to take a moment to pause? Whether high stress situations or whether you’re doing a presentation, deep breathing strategies can help you get to the ‘rest and digest’ space.
In this episode Janine looks at deep breathing strategies and she discusses:
What fight, flight and freeze mode is
Getting to a place of ‘rest and digest’.
Taking deep breaths and using your hands to help slow your breathing down.
The difference 1 minute of doing an exercise can be
Using deep breathing in a small or large group to bring in focus
Breathing with numbers - 4, 7, 8 breathing
How to check your energy
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
What does happy feel like? What about being nervous? Sad or excited? Learning to identify feelings is so important for kids - when kids can label their feelings, it’s easier for them to self-regulate. One of the best ways to learn is through play, and you can work on feelings identification in fun and playful ways.
In this episode Janine discusses:
The importance of labeling our feelings
How learning about feeling can be fun
How to play games with your child to figure out what they are feeling
Three games she likes to play:
Feeling memory - a game with emoji’s
How would you feel?
Feelings jenga
How to tap into playfulness on the Coping Skills Hub
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
How do we teach our children social and emotional awareness in a fun and play filled way? Eventually our children will become adults so when they walk out into the world, we want them to step into their lives as aware and in control of their emotions as possible.
In this episode we discuss:
The resources Yara has put together to support social and emotional learning
The importance of playing and therefore learning how to self regulate
Crafts which help engage children in social awareness
How kids cope with anger and the tools to help them while learning this emotion
Different discipline options during transitional points
How to manage your own emotions as a parent
Communication points in your child's day so you can check in
How Yara relaxes
About The Guest - Yara Habanbou
Yara Habanbou has experience in the field of education, and is deeply passionate about nurturing social-emotional skills in children, helping them grow not only as students but as kind, compassionate, and resilient individuals. She is the creator of seaofknowledge.org, where she shares tons of printables, ideas and activities to nurture kids' social skills as well as their academic skills.
Website www.seaofknowledge.org
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolineM
Instagram @seaofknowledgeyara
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Resources mentioned in the podcast episode:
Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown and Christopher Vaughan
The Power of Play - learning what comes naturally by David Elkind
Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life
Play=Learning: How Play Motivates and Enhances Children’s Cognitive and Social-Emotional Growth Edited by Dorothy G. Singer, Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek
Calm and Connected Ep 154: Ways to Connect with Kids and Teens
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-154
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Building a strong connection with our children is really important and taking the time to invest in our relationships with them at each stage of childhood and into the teenage years. Today Janine considers the opportunities we create for them to share what they like and what you enjoy also in day to day life. How can we connect with our kids well so that when they face challenges or difficulties they feel like they can come speak with you, the parent?
In this episode we discuss strategies for connecting well including:
Word Games you can play together like ‘Would You Rather?’
Playing board games together
Playing video games together
Cooking and baking together
Arts and crafts
An activity jar
Geocaching
Connecting through reading the same books your child reads/shows they watch
Asking for youtube creator recommendations
Sharing music together
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Have you noticed social skills missing in your kids? Caroline Maguire, author of Why Will No One Play With Me?, joins me to discuss how to support your child and build them up through play.
Here’s some of the areas we cover:
The importance of play
How to play with your kids in a role play situation
The power of storytelling to explain social situations
Debriefing with your kids and working on your bond together
Finding the organic moments to talk to your kids
Supporting them through childhood playdates to teenage hangouts
Figuring out their baseline and strengths
Using their interests to encourage and build them up
This is a clip from a live webinar.
If you’d like to hear the whole interview,
please join the Hub!
About The Guest - Caroline maguire
Caroline Maguire, is the founder of a revolutionary social emotional learning methodology that helps teach social skills to children, teenagers, and young adults. She holds a holds a Masters in Education degree with a concentration in SEL training and is the founder and director of The Fundamentals of ADHD Coaching for Families training curriculum at ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA). She is a former coach for the Hallowell Center in Sudbury, Massachusetts. She is the author of Why Will No One Play With Me?, the winner of the Best Parenting and Family Book 2020 as awarded by American Book Fest and co-collaborator on newly released HowToSel.com – a daily social emotional learning platform anyone can incorporate into daily life.
Why Will No One Play With Me? The Play Better Plan To Help Children of All Ages Makes Friends and Thrive by Caroline Maguire, PCC, M.Ed.
www.carolinemaguireauthor.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolineM
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorcarolinecm/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AuthorCarolineM
Pinterest https://www.instagram.com/authorcarolinecm/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorcarolinecm/
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Has your child hit their teenage years and puberty has started? Have you noticed their emotions are changing? What about their most extreme emotions? Do you find that your teenager can feel really angry at times?
In today’s episode, Janine unpacks some strategies to help you as parents support your teenager and how to develop that connection between yourself as the parent and them.
Here’s what Janine discusses in today’s episode:
Connection being key and your teen feeling heard
How to notice emotions in their body
Breathing exercises
Making paper airplanes
Squeezing dough or slime
Cool compress on your neck
Drinking cold water to regulate body temperature
Talking through what you can and can’t control
Channeling energy into positive action
Making a plan for your child
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Coping Skills Community Hub
https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
OCD can manifest itself in different ways with different obsessions and focus that are going on in your life. Children’s author, Marin Canaday describes OCD feeling like a monster devouring your emotions and feelings, where you could get to the point where you feel out of control and you begin to believe the lies the OCD obsessions tell you about yourself.
Marin joins me today in this episode and we discuss some of the following areas:
Marin discusses how the idea for her book, My Little Monster came about
Doubting yourself and OCD
Contamination and germs and OCD
Religion and OCD
Harm and OCD
Hiding symptoms and coping strategies
Getting diagnosed
How Marin likes to rest and relax
About The Guest - Marin Canaday
Marin grew up with OCD from an early age, although she was not sure what it was that she struggled with until her 30's. A lot of her struggle was internal. As a child, she found that studying and sports helped take my mind off of the OCD thought patterns. When she studied or played a sport, she felt like she had a brain break, so she threw herself into both with vigor. Her study habits paid off, and Marin graduated in the top of her classes in both high school and college. She also went on to play collegiate volleyball, earning All American honors in her senior year.
Her struggle with OCD really became more evident externally when she reached adulthood. Without studying or sports to hide in any longer, she came face to face with her anxiety disorder. She couldn't eat, sleep, or function in day-to-day tasks. Marin’s struggles with her thoughts were all that she could fight all day and night. It was grueling.
Today, with therapy and medication to help, she is much healthier and confident. Marin writes in her free time to inspire others who may be struggling with anxiety as well. She is the the author of two books, My Little Monster and The Very Best Me. Her OCD still whispers to her and at times begins to shout. She finds relief in gardening, crafting, reading, and writing.
Website - www.mylittleocdmonster.com
Facebook - My Little OCD Monster https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090423289366
Resources mentioned:
Marin has two books, My Little Monster and The Very Best Me.
Dr. Dawn Huebner - https://www.dawnhuebnerphd.com/
Natasha Daniels - https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/
When a Family Member has OCD by John Hershfield, MFT.
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
A child at Elementary School will be learning and figuring out what emotions are and what’s going on in their bodies when their ‘big feelings’ appear. They’ll be learning to put names to their emotions and trying figuring out why they’re feeling what they are.
In the moments when they feel upset, overwhelmed and unable to put words to their emotions, there are some straightforward strategies we can have in our toolkit ready to use and support this age group with.
Here are some some of the strategies discussed in todays episode:
Deep breathing strategies like the ‘Cooling the Cocoa’ strategy
Imagining your favorite place
Helpful distractions like games like ‘Would you rather?’
Go for a walk to a water fountain to hydrate, get the body moving and helping to transition back to the classroom
Calming Jars with glitter and glue
Feelings Thermometers
Take 5 to Calm Down
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Coping Skills Community Hub
https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
The transition to preschool to elementary school can be such an anxious time for both parents and for the children.There’s a lot of unknowns to get them ready for and sometimes we think there’s lots we have to do to prepare them for starting. Today we discuss what you can do to help reduce anxiety for your little one with nursery practitioner, Caroline Allen.
In this episode they discuss:
Getting your child ready for school
How difficult transition can be for parents as well as children
What comments from family may or may not be helpful
‘Transistionitis’ - a phrase Caroline has come up with to describe the time before starting school
Tips on how to speak about going to school and what may be at a school setting
Does it matter if my child doesn’t write or read before they start school?
How your child can learn and being lead by a child's interest
Delving a Little Deeper
How Caroline rests and relaxes
About The Guest - Caroline Allen
Caroline Allen has run childcare settings in the UK, trained internationally and supported practitioners and carers for over 25 years. She understands how important it is to relate well with our young children, yet this is not easy, and few have the time to read or study. Caroline now hosts Turning Little Stones podcasts, which are for anyone (professionals and family carers) with young children in their lives. In each episode, snippets of sound childcare theory become accessible and relatable, helping us all to better support our children and delight in being part of their journey.
Website - www.turninglittlestones.co.uk
Resources mentioned: Delving a Little Deeper' (accessed from the website), which is for those wanting a little more theory.
Instagram -@turninglittlestones
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
It’s wonderful having a home set up where you have a reset or safe space where your kids can use strategies and process their emotions. But what happens when we go out? Having coping strategies ready is just as important. Whether that’s at school, traveling, out with friends, before a medical appointment or at parties knowing what you can do outside of the comfort of your own home is really helpful.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
Thinking about what situations could be tricky
How to create a plan for when you’re out
Items which are helpful to have in your ‘on the go’ bag. Including
Pens and pencils
Notebooks and coloring books
Music
Fidgets
Visual reminders of coping skills, like word games, breathing strategies, etc.
How to review your ‘On the Go’ plan for your family
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Coping Skills Community Hub
https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
When you’re expecting a baby or experiencing the first year of their life, there are books which tell you all the key development growth points to be looking out for and what comes next. We don’t talk about these as well as we could as our children go through childhood and adolescents. What emotions should they be feeling at what point? Is this behavior or outburst normal?
As they grow and develop, one of the questions that gets asked is, “What does a healthy brain look like?” Our brain reacts to different pathways and it can affect our mood and responses. If we can understand the brain we can understand why we teach our children different skills and functions at key life stages and certain ages. Rebecca shares how if we can understand the brain then we can understand how to support our children’s next steps and if needed support getting them back on track.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
What Brain Balance is and how to strengthen the brain and pathways
How development impacts our brain pathways
Why Rebecca wrote Back on Track
The impact of the pandemic on development
Why having an action plan to help children is important
What developmental markers look like in childhood and as your child heads towards adolescence
Sensory development in children and how the senses affects our decision
The effects of tiredness on the brain
The practice of pausing
The Snow Angel Exercise
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Guest - Dr Rebecca Jackson
Dr. Rebecca Jackson, Chief Programs Officer at Brain Balance, is a celebrated expert in brain health and optimization. In her role at Brain Balance she drives programmatic enhancements and creates new programs to meet the growing demands of people wanting to achieve more for themselves and their children. As the author of her new book, "Back on Track," Dr. Jackson is a media fixture, featured in respected outlets like Mayo Clinic Press, Forbes, Psych Central, and Business Insider. She's also been a guest on national and local shows, including The Doctor’s Show and NBC’s Nightly News.
Website -https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/
https://drrebeccajackson.com/
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/drrebeccajackson/
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Today’s question is, what can you do in 5 minutes or less that will make you feel happier, healthier or stronger? There are many moments in life when the day to day can feel stressful. Anyone can feel this. Whether you’re a working professional or a parent at home with kids in any stage of life. You may hit those moments and ask how can I take a moment for myself in the midst of the situation you face to give yourself some self care and revitalize yourself in those moments. Today’s episode covers some quick self care strategies to use during the day. These can make a difference to your day to empower and reset your mind as you go about your day.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
What a Power Up is and the benefits of it
Moments of self care we can do as adults
Breathing techniques
Mindful moments around you in the environment you find yourself in
The value of hydration
Short exercise
Doorway affirmations
Imagining your favorite place
Reading your favorite poem or quote
Spending time with animals
Stacking coping skills
How these strategies can be used by children too
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Superbetter: The Power of Living Gamefully by Jane McGonigal
Jon Cunha’s interview on the Calm and Connected Podcast: https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-88
Coping Skills Community Hub
https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Have you ever considered the neuroscience behind how we self-regulate our emotions? How do these two work together? Some children may respond in fight or flight mode in some situations. But how does your child’s body and emotions respond and why in these specific moments? What pathways are connecting in your child’s brain to cause certain reactions? Knowing your child and techniques to keep them calm can help moments like this - it’s more than just a behavior, but thinking about the child as a whole.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
An introduction to Dr. Varleisha and the work she does
The beauty of having a multidisciplinary team and how to support the kids in your lives
How does our brains work and what hormones are released
Techniques for self regulation
The power of sound and movement and self regulation
Using temperature for self regulation
Finding evidence based practice rather than what social media tells us
How Dr. Varleisha rests and relaxes
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Guest -
Varleisha D. (Gibbs) Lyons PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS has been an occupational therapist for over 20 years. Dr. Lyons founded and operated a private therapy firm for over 10 years. She developed and founded Delaware’s first occupational therapy program and became the first Black Indigenous American woman to serve as the Scientific Programs Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. Currently, she is the Vice President of Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice Access and Belonging and formerly the Vice President of Practice Engagement and Capacity Building at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Varleisha continues to lecture internationally and has authored four books, one of which is a bestseller. She has dedicated her time to mentoring underrepresented individuals and desires to help shift others toward growth and healing despite traumatic experiences or diagnoses. Her research spans various disciplines and professions with grant funding in the areas of community-based services and interprofessional education and care. Through such efforts she has guided several into the profession of occupational therapy and supported families across the nation through her volunteer efforts. Her areas of expertise include neuroanatomy, self-regulation strategies across the lifespan, health inequities, and trauma responsive approaches.
Website:http://wasutsanctuary.com/
Instagram Page: https://instagram.com/drvarleisha
X:https://x.com/drvarleisha
Other resources:
https://www.amazon.com/Books-Varleisha-Gibbs/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AVarleisha+Gibbs ;
https://www.pesi.com/speaker/details/00259440 ;
https://www.medbridge.com/instructors/varleisha-gibbs-otd-otrl-pediatric-occupational-therapy-sensory-integration/
Other Calm and Connected Podcast episodes mentioned:
Sophie Garner
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-99
Ryan Judd:
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-116
Lynne Kenney
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-106
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Have you noticed your child doesn’t enjoy being at birthday parties? Do they struggle hearing loud noises? Does your child appear to not like the seams in their socks? Or have they felt overwhelmed by crowds and are very observant? Some people may read this list and think you’re describing the symptoms of Autism. They could be right but did you know it could also be the symptoms of high sensitivity? Today I speak with Maureen and how they have navigated learning about high sensitivity in her family.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
An introduction to Maureen and her two sons
What it means to be highly sensitive
What high sensitivity is not
How it can be misdiagnosed as something else
How to determine if my child is highly sensitive
What support to put around your family
How Maureen rests and relaxes
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Guest - Maureen
Maureen is an author, anxiety and high sensitivity advocate, and web designer. Her online journey began with a boy, a big challenge and a blog. Back in 2014, her 3-year-old son was diagnosed with Selective Mutism, a childhood anxiety disorder which took her whole family on a wild journey of learning so many things, including being introduced to the term high sensitivity and Dr. Aron’s book, the Highly Sensitive Child. Discovering this term was a game changer. It answered so many questions about her son’s behavior as well as her own. She discovered that not only was her son a highly sensitive child, but that she and her husband were also highly sensitive people. She started blogging about her family's journey and quickly realized she wasn't alone. Parents all over the world started following her and began asking questions like, Why does my son have trouble with loud noises? Why are birthday parties difficult for him? How come he can’t join in with a group of kids like other children can? Why is he so emotional? In 2017, she created thehighlysensitivechild.com to help other parents who were looking to better understand their children and in 2021 had her first traditionally published children's book released for highly sensitive kids- I Don't Like birthday Parties. She now continues to help parents raising highly sensitive children via her Facebook group, as well as her membership community.
Website- https://www.thehighlysensitivechild.com/
Parents of Highly Sensitive Children Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/140237519964291
Parenting Highly Sensitive Children FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091859734934
X: https://twitter.com/sensitivekids1
Other resources: https://www.thehighlysensitivechild.com/
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
We all know those kids who can’t quite get settled in the classroom. They may have a hard time sitting down to get their homework done. They may be zoning off in the middle of a lesson in school. Or they may look like they are paying attention, but their mind is constantly wandering off. These kids might benefit from a fidget!
Today's solo episode of the Calm and Connected podcast is all about fidgets, and in particular, the ones I think are great for the classroom.
The topics I cover in this episode are:
How I use Fidgets
Fidgets are tools, not toys
The different types of Fidgets
How you can make cost-effective Fidgets from a pool noodle
Using Velcro and fabrics as tactile tools
Fidgets which are available buy
My own Fidget
Mentioned in podcast:
Calm and Connected Podcast about Coping Skills Toolkit at Dollar Tree
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-127
Coping Skills Quiet Fidget
https://copingskillsforkids.com/fidgets
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Every school should have a school counselor and there are so many reasons why a school counselor may work with any student at any stage of their educational career. But what do they do? From individual 1-1 support to whole class workshops, a school counselor is there to see students thrive and support them with strategies so they can love and enjoy learning. They give the tools the student needs for the challenge in front of them at that moment. Today I speak to school counselor, Rachel Davis. The topics we cover in this episode are:
The work Rachel does
The role of a school counselor and how they support the students
Feelings and emotional regulation
How a counselor works out which student to support for the year
Keeping the lines of communication open between the counselor and parents
Organizational tips for counselors
Impact, a school’s counseling membership service which Rachel runs
How Rachel rests and relaxes
About The Guest - Rachel Davis
Rachel has nearly a decade of experience working as a school counselor at public, private, and charter schools in Southern California and most recently was the K-12 school counselor at an International School in Costa Rica! Currently, she is the counselor and curriculum designer behind Bright Futures Counseling with a top-rated school counseling podcast, School Counseling Simplified, and an engaged online community. She writes a blog for school counselors and is passionate about helping school counselors increase their impact and advocate for their role. She resides in Costa Rica, and when she's not working on her business you can find her at the beach playing with her family!
Website - https://brightfutures-counseling.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/brightfuturescounseling/
Other Resources discussed:
Rachel has a membership for school counselors. https://www.stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Firstly I want to pre-warn you that my guest Meghan Joyce Tozer and I discuss some tough topics during this episode. Today’s podcast talks about sexual abuse and suicide. We encourage you to keep this in mind when listening to this podcast. Please be aware, especially if younger ears are listening, and please click play with care.
CALM AND CONNECTED - EPISODE 141
Sexual assault and harassment, sadly happens in schools on a too regular basis, whether that’s happening peer to peer or even between teacher to student. We hope our children never have to experience this. Knowing how to parent our children to take ownership of their bodies, so they know how to say no is key. We discuss how to navigate through abuse, bullying, harassment so they can get help is just as vital.
In this episode, I speak with Meghan Joyce Tozer, author of the critically acclaimed novel Night, Forgotten and her annotated middle school diary, UnSlut: A Diary and a Memoir, which she wrote under the pen name Emily Lindin.
The topics we cover are:
How Meghan came to work in this area
The catalyst for sharing her experience
The abuse and eventual suicide of Rehtaeh Parsons and Audrey Pott
Cyber bullying; how technology means bullying is beyond the school gate
The work of the non-profit organization called Stop Sexual Assault in Schools
Preventative measures schools can put in place including Sash Clubs
What parents can do to support their child at home
How Meghan rests and relaxes
About The Guest - Meghan Joyce Tozer
Meghan Joyce Tozer is an advocate for young sexual assault survivors and the author of the critically acclaimed novel NIGHT, FORGOTTEN (2022). She holds a B.A. from Harvard jointly in Music and in English and American Literature and Language, as well as a M.M. in voice performance and a Ph.D. in music history from the University of California Santa Barbara. Much of Meghan’s public writing has appeared under the pen name Emily Lindin, including her annotated middle school diary, UnSlut: A Diary and a Memoir (2015). As the founder of The UnSlut Project, she’s advocated for survivors of sexual assault and abuse on platforms such as ABC with Katie Couric, CNN, The Doctors, Al Jazeera America, and NPR. She’s led workshops in bullying prevention and media literacy at dozens of high schools and universities around North America. She was the 2017 recipient of the Community Leadership Award from Child Abuse Prevention Services. Meghan is also the director and narrator of the award-winning UNSLUT: A DOCUMENTARY FILM.
Website - www.meghanjoycetozer.com
IG: www.instagram.com/meghanjoycetozer
Meghan is on the board of the national nonprofit Stop Sexual Assault in Schools, which provides free toolkits about campus prevention, Title IX rights, bullying, and all kinds of related topics. Her critically acclaimed novel NIGHT, FORGOTTEN is available wherever books are sold.
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Firstly I want to pre-warn you that we discuss some tough topics during this episode, like sex and consent, talking with your kids about death, and bullying. Please be aware, especially if younger ears are listening. Please click play with care.
All parents will face that moment when they have to have some of life’s hard conversations and speaking with your child to prepare them for what comes in life is key. We don’t really know when the right time is but in life we have to put the building blocks in place relationally with our children so that when that time comes, we can have proactive, sensitive and good conversations.
Take a listen to this episode where I speak to Dr Robyn Silverman about how to talk to your kids about anything.
The topics we cover are:
Dr Robyn discusses her book
The biggest mistakes parents make when discussing big topics
How to keep the conversation going once you’ve started
When is the right time to talk to kids about sex and consent
How to talk to kids about the mistakes and failures you make
Ways to fess up and repair your relationship with each other
How do you start talking with your kids on these big topics
How kids realize they can help and teach you too
Books which can be helpful tools
Navigating your child's friendships and bullying
How Dr Robyn rests and relaxes
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About the Guest: - Dr Robyn Silverman
Known as the "Conversation Doc," Dr. Robyn Silverman is a child and teen development specialist and author of the [forthcoming] book, How to Talk to Kids About Anything, as well as the host of the popular podcast of the same name. She is a cofounder of the Powerful Words Character System, which gives educators the talking points they need to help children become kind, responsible citizens of the world. Dr. Robyn has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show and Nightline and has been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, CNN.com, and many other publications. She lives with her husband, two kids and fuzzy rescue dog who loves sunning himself on their front steps, even in the summer heat of North Carolina. Find out all about the book at DrRobynSilverman.com.
Website - https://parenting.drrobynsilverman.com/
Facebook: @DrRobynSilverman
X: @DrRobyn
IG: @DrRobynSilverman
Dr Robyn Silverman’s new book launches on October 10th! How to Talk to Kids about Anything. https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Kids-about-Anything-Conversations/dp/1728246989
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Do you ever sit and think about how you actually became an adult? Think of all the skills you have from tying your shoelaces to presenting a report at work. How did we learn these skills? … with lots and lots of practice! And for us to practice, our parents or caregivers have to ease the control a little to allow us to make mistakes. Imagine if your parents still followed you around all day waiting to tie your shoelaces or stand up in front of your colleagues to make that presentation themselves, life wouldn’t be very fulfilling would it! Take a listen to this episode where I speak to Julie Lythcott-Haims about how parenting is about letting go of control.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
Julie discusses her book ‘Your Turn’
Outdated definitions of adulting
What “taking care of business” means with the 3 B’s; Body, belongings, bills
What it means to be an adult
The negative side of standing under the monkey bars, waiting to catch your child
How can parents best support their children going into young adulthood?
Using everyday activities as a way to practice being an adult
Why ‘Don’t talk to strangers’ is bad advice for children
Modeling behavior to show your kids you don’t have everything figured out either
How Julie rests and relaxes
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About the Guest - Julie Lythcott-Haims
Julie Lythcott-Haims believes in humans and is deeply interested in what gets in our way. Her work encompasses writing, speaking, public service, and activism. She is a New York Times bestselling author of books on human development, a TED speaker, a former Stanford dean, and a lawyer, and she holds degrees from Stanford University (BA), Harvard Law (JD), and California College of the Arts (MFA). She serves on numerous nonprofit boards whose work focuses on equity, education, youth, wellness, and the arts. Julie lives in Palo Alto, California with her partner of over thirty years, their itinerant young adults, and her mother. She is a member of the Palo Alto City Council.
Website - https://www.julielythcotthaims.com/
Instagram - @jlythcotthaims
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Does your child like to move and fidget a lot? Maybe lay upside down or spin around in circles? This isn’t just a random act of silliness or hyperactivity, they are likely gaining sensory input! In this episode, my guest Claire and I discuss proprioception, which is your body's ability to sense movement, action, and location. It's present in every muscle movement you have. Without proprioception, you wouldn't be able to move without thinking about your next step. We also discuss the vestibular system which functions to detect the position and movement of our head in space. This allows for the coordination of eye movements, posture, and equilibrium.
The topics we cover in this episode are;
Claire’s career background
Why it helps to work alongside different types of therapists
What differences therapists have noticed since COVID
Language skills and self regulation skills in children after covid
The challenges of moving from elementary to middle school
Our thoughts on teachers
Strategies that are helpful for children’s behavior and self regulation
The proprioception and vestibular systems
What is proprioceptive input?
Where is our vestibular system in our body? And how does it work?
How a weighted hall-pass can help you
What are Claire’s coping skills to find rest and peace?
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Guest - Claire
Claire Heffron is a pediatric occupational therapist who has worked in school and community settings since 2005. She and Lauren Drobnjak (physical therapist) started The Inspired Treehouse in 2013 and have developed the business into one of the top online resources for pediatric therapists around the world. Claire and Lauren also opened a non-profit organization in Cleveland called The Treehouse, where they provide developmental playgroups for children of all ability levels.
Website - theinspiredtreehouse.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/insptreehouse/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/inspired.treehouse/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Theinspiredtreehouse
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/inspiredtreehou/
The Therapist Informed Classroom - self-paced, email-based course https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/the-therapist-informed-classroom
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Let me ask you a question - if you had a magic wand and could fix one major problem or difficulty you have with teaching kids coping skills when they need them most, what would you change? I asked my email list this very question and got some interesting answers. This episode will give you 7 strategies to help kids use coping skills when they need them most.
The topics I cover in this episode are:
Practicing skills when your child is calm and the benefits
Create visual reminders like cue cards
Make a plan before anything happens or escalates
The importance of debriefing
Create a calm area or space
Have an ‘on-the-go’ calm down kit
Your mindset matters too - as the adult, parent or guardian
Your actions make such a difference, how important modeling is
How the Coping Skills for Kids Resource Library Community Hub can help you find coping skills
Visit The Resource Library Community Hub - https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
When you are stressed, anxious or perhaps angry and need to calm down, what techniques do you use? There are so many out there, from yoga, meditation, exercise and mindfulness but today I will be speaking to my guest Andrea about one which you’ll love if you sit on the creative side of life. It’s a mix of art and mindfulness and it’s called ‘Zentangle’.
The topics we cover in this episode are;
What social anxiety actually is
How the pandemic affected children with social anxiety differently
How Andrea came to find mindful art
What is Zentanglement?
How Andrea’s website helps mental health and is backed up by science
Mindfulness and how it has grown in popularity over the years
What is the Zentangle method? What does it look like?
Don’t dismiss a tile by its final design - take it one step at a time
The benefits of Zentangle
Andrea’s introductory course on Zentangle
How Andrea likes to unwind
—
About The Guest - Andrea Santogrosso
Andrea Santogrosso has been an educator for 12 years, teaching Visual Arts and Special Education. She is also a Certified Zentangle Teacher and founder of the Children’s art blog, Lightly Sketched. Her mission is to provide an innovative outlet for children who may be experiencing mental health issues. She is passionate about helping kids deal with their emotions in creative ways, and drawing Zentangles is an exercise that she recommends they add to their coping toolkit. She has seen the transformative nature of creativity in the lives of so many of her students and witnessed it in her own life through her eldest daughter, who has anxiety. She currently lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband, 2 loving daughters, and their dog, Marshmallow.
Website - https://lightlysketched.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lightlysketched/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lightlysketched
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbb1JC5LX4sEwOkF2dXt3A
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ca/lightlysketched/_created/
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Today’s installment of my book series covers the book ‘The Highly Sensitive Child’ by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D. I read this book over COVID and it totally changed the way I look at kids, how to spot what’s going on with them in order to help them. In this episode, I go over the 4 areas in which high sensitivity presents itself so you can better see if your child is highly sensitive.
The topics I cover in this episode are:
High sensitivity in children
The D.O.E.S acronym
The high sensitivity screening
Working through the book as a parent with high sensitivity
How the book works through different developmental stages
If you want to suggest a book to me, then you can do so here - https://www.instagram.com/copingskillsforkids/
Book recommendation: The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping our children thrive when the world overwhelms them by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.
https://hsperson.com/
The Highly Sensitive Child
https://www.thehighlysensitivechild.com/
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Have you ever considered a different educational style for your children besides the conventional method? If so, perhaps you have heard of the Montessori method. It is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the highly trained teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. In this episode, I spoke to Montessori Home Consultant, Jeanne-Marie Paynel about the benefits of this education style.
The topics we cover in this episode are;
Jeanne’s background
Co-working nursery spaces
Who is Doctor Montessori?
What we used to think of new born babies brains
How we see children and education now
The differences of a Montessori school and conventional education
Mixed age classes and the benefits
“Help me to do it by myself” the Montessori Moto
Why the Montessori method doesn’t use a crib
Getting your child to help with food prep
The red flags to look out for when finding a Montessori school
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Guest - Jeanne-Marie Paynel
Jeanne-Marie Paynel, M.Ed, is a Parenting Mentor, Montessori Home Consultant, and Doula supporting parents to confidently raise the next generation of good-hearted humans. She’s the host of The Art of Parenting podcast and founder of Your Parenting Mentor where she guides expectant parents, caregivers, and parents of young children to better prepare their homes and themselves for their children to thrive during the first six crucial years of life. She believes that a supportive and peaceful home atmosphere will allow every child to flourish as an independent, confident and capable learner. She combines her many passions to serve her community: Montessori, RIE, Conscious Parenting, Positive Discipline, and Mindfulness. Her mission is to help parents appreciate the true importance of their role - not as servants or teachers, but as supporters and guides of their children's natural development.
Website - https://voilamontessori.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeannemariepaynel/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeannemariepaynel.yourparentingmentor
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1J0xiJZgzhF2z6TQig3tiw
Calm and Connected Podcast episodes mentioned:
Ned Johnson
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-124
Nicole Schwarz
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-97
Sarah Moore
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-125
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
This episode is the second installment of my book recommendation series. This week I want to focus on books dealing with anger since I have seen a lot of kids showing up to school with big emotions like anger lately. It is an emotion we have all felt many times, but we’re not always sure about how to deal with it so perhaps a bit of light reading can help!
The topics I cover in this episode are:
Don’t Rant and Rave on Wednesdays by Adolph Moser
Angry Octopus by Lori Lite and Max Stasuyk
Progressive relaxation techniques
Deep breathing techniques
When I Feel Angry by Cornelia Maude Spelman
Staying safe while having big emotions
How to Take The Grrrr Out of Anger by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis
Chillax!: How Ernie Learns to Chill Out, Relax and Take Charge of His Anger by Marcella Marino Craver
Other podcast episodes that will help with big emotions like anger
If you want to suggest a book to me, then you can do so here - https://www.instagram.com/copingskillsforkids/
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
When was the last time you had a dedicated playtime with your child? Life gets so busy so we can’t blame parents for not being able to squeeze this in-between school, dinnertime, sports or dance at the weekend but it is vital to a child’s development. Kim Feeney is the guest on this episode, she is a licensed independent social worker and a registered play therapist supervisor. I wanted to discuss playtime with her and how to build a connection with your child.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
Why play matters so much?
The benefits of having a dedicated playtime with your kids
How to set up a dedicated playtime with your kids
Validating your child during playtime
The four crucial C’s; Connection, Capable, Count, Courage
Modeling the courage to be imperfect
How can we build empathy with sibling relationships?
How Kim relaxes and recharges
About The Guest - Kim Feeney, LICSW
Kim Feeney is a licensed independent social worker and a registered play therapist supervisor in Davenport, IA. She has over ten years of experience helping children and families lead healthier emotional lives so that they can effectively cope with big emotions. Believing all behavior is purpose-driven, she works with parents and children to find alternative ways to meet social and behavioral needs.
Website - https://www.butterflybeginningscounseling.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/butterflybegin
Facebook - www.facebook.com/butterflybeginningscounseling
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coachingcaregivers/
6 Ways Parents Can Help Their Kids Cope With Big Emotions: www.butterflybeginningscounseling.com/coping
Parenting class- Being With https://www.butterflybeginningscounseling.com/beingwith/
Book- Emily's Emotional Empathy. https://fanatic4feelings.myshopify.com/products/copy-of-emilys-emotional-empathy-softcover
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
I have always been a reader ever since I was a child but sometimes life gets in the way and I have found I don’t make much time for it so I used a recent vacation to spark my love for pleasurable reading again. After posting about this on Instagram, I was really inspired by one of my comments; to make a list of books to read over the summer and start a podcast series about it!
The topics I cover in this episode are:
I start with 2 book recommendations, one for fun and one for work
Book 1 - The Book of Awesome by Neil Pascricha
A gratitude practice and seeing the beauty in the small stuff
Book 2 - Your Turn, How to be an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
My favorite parts of this book, especially lessons learned when things don’t go to plan
If you want to suggest a book to me, then you can do so here - https://www.instagram.com/copingskillsforkids/
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!
If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter
If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub
If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
This week, Janine speaks to Suzanne Tucker a Parent Educator about the do’s, don’t’s, the should’s and shame that comes with parenting. Suzanne started Generation Mindful as she saw societal problems within herself and her own family, as well as in friends and family and she knew something needed to change. Listen into this episode to make yourself feel a whole lot better about living life as a parent!
The topics we cover in this episode are;
Suzanne’s background
Shame free parenting
The difficulties of using the word “should”
Name it, feel it, heal it
Doctor Stuart Brown and his research on play
Parent guilt and shame of not being perfect
Getting children to understand every emotion is okay
You can be complete and growing at the same time
What coping skills Suzanne uses for herself
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Guest - Suzanne Tucker
Suzanne Tucker has been a physical therapist, Parent Educator, and Certified Educator of Infant Massage for more than 25 years. She's a mom of four and the founder of Generation Mindful, an international community bringing early emotional education and positive child rearing practices into the mainstream for young families and early childhood classrooms. Suzanne believes the most impactful thing we can do as a society to bring about a more peaceful and compassionate world is to evolve the way we discipline our children, replacing fear and shame with practices that nurture safety and connection.
Website -www.genmindful.com
Instagram - Instagram.com/GenerationMindful
Facebook - Facebook.com/GenMindful
Twitter -Twitter.com/Gen_Mindful
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Throughout your life growing up, have you ever come up against a problem you just couldn’t solve? We learn very valuable skills at school but we don’t learn every single skill needed for everyday life so in this episode, I teach you some hands-on ways to practice problem solving with your child.
The topics I cover in this episode are:
The 5 steps to problem solving
The benefits of learning and playing simultaneously
A newspaper and tape challenge - what is it?
The interesting side to different children groups doing the same exercise
My second strategy with play dough and toothpicks
Practicing smaller problems help with bigger problems in real life
Problem Solving Steps from Encourage Play
https://www.encourageplay.com/blog/a-simple-5-step-process-for-problem-solving
Creative Problem Solving Prompts - Calm and Connected Podcast 102
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-102
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Firstly I want to pre-warn you that my guest Elliot Kallen and I discuss the topic of suicide. This might be an uncomfortable topic for you or perhaps younger ears are listening so please click play with care.
Sometimes life throws us the most difficult of situations which stop us in our tracks and make us believe it’s too difficult to carry on. This was the unfortunate case for Elliot Kallen’s son and in turn for Elliot himself. But the impressive resilience of human beings allowed Elliot to carry on past his heart ache in order to help other families in similar situations so they wouldn’t have to feel the pain he went through. The strength he possesses is nothing short of amazing so I encourage you to listen to Elliot’s story and how he can help you and your child through depression.
The topics we cover in this episode are;
Elliot tells the story of how his company ’A Brighter Day’ got started
How his business evolved to support more people through COVID
Elliot explains how his company has partnered with BetterHelp to offer free therapy to teenagers
How his company are looking at other organizations like AA to replicate the help but for depression
What signs should we be looking out for with depression in teenagers?
Parents can have great intentions but sometimes make bad decisions
Social media and how it affects your teenager
How a conversation over dinner can help
Opening up to your kids and being vulnerable
Tools and strategies that teenagers can use for stress and depression
Elliot’s own coping skills
About The Guest - Elliot Kallen
Elliot brings 25 years of leadership and management experience from the business sector to his role at A Brighter Day. He co-founded A Brighter Day in 2016 with his wife Tammy after the loss of their son Jake, to support young adults in their transition to adulthood and to help prevent teen suicide. Elliot formerly served as Board President of The Boys and Girls Club of the Diablo Valley, and remains actively involved today. He has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for this organization, which is on the front lines in providing athletic, social and cultural programming to the children of Diablo Valley. Elliot is also active with The Fallen Heroes Charity.
Website - http://www.abrighterday.info/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abrighterdaycharity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/uniteforabrighterday/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCix1ywbqDiVW2VvKhMFMlw
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotkallen/
Email - Elliot@abrighterday.info
Phone - If you need to call him (as a parent) - 510 206 1103
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
In this episode, I am talking about coping skills tool kits that you can make at the Dollar Tree. I have previous similar episodes based on different stores such as Five Below, Target, Michael’s and Oriental Trading and one more general episode right back when I started this podcast. I talk about different styles of coping skills like relaxation, distraction, movement, sensory and processing.
The topics I cover in this episode are;
How coloring books can be relaxing OR a distraction
Building bricks as a calm down kit
Playing Word finds
Playing Uno Go!
The different games and activities you can play with large dice
Fidgets and how they can help on a sensory level
Why journaling is one of my favorite tools for kids
Coping Skills Toolkit at Five Below
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-55
Coping Skills Toolkit at Target
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-41
Coping Skills Toolkit at Michael’s
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-44
Coping Skills Toolkit at Oriental Trading
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-49
How to Make a Coping Skills Toolkit
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-23
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Starting a conversation with a child about their own struggles and coping skills can be difficult. The best way around that in my opinion is to show through examples in books and TV. We all know how hard direct feedback and critique can be, yet if it is explained in a lighter way using someone else as an example, it can be much easier to digest and a perfect way to teach children.
The topics I cover in this episode are;
I give multiple examples of books you can use for really little children
Using characters in tv shows to work out what they can do when they have big emotions
What works for older children?
I will explain my new resource library called ‘The Coping Skills Hub’.
Make sure you check out my new resource library here -copingskillsforkids.com/hub
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
After an unbelievable routine check at the pediatrician’s office, Sarah’s life changed forever. The experience she talks about in this episode made her get serious about parenting and educating other parents about peaceful discipline. Yes, it is helpful to look at evidence based research on parenting but ultimately, you need to find out what works for you specifically. Listen to this episode to find out how…
The topics we cover in this episode are;
Sarah’s life-changing pediatrician story
Sarah’s book ‘Peaceful Discipline: Story Teaching, Brain Science, and Better Behavior.’
Evidence based research vs what works for you
Fear based practices and how it affects a child’s brain
Talk to kids when they’re little and have little problems… but why is that helpful?
How games can challenge in a playful way
Using stories to teach
How healing the world can start at home
How Sarah relaxes
About The Guest - Sarah Moore
A decade ago, an uninformed doctor advised Sarah R. Moore to "never pick up her baby when she cried" and to let him know when she was ready to "get serious about parenting." Sarah's gotten serious about parenting, alright, as evidenced by her new book, "Peaceful Discipline: Story Teaching, Brain Science, and Better Behavior." Now a certified Master Trainer of conscious parenting, she's as serious about parenting as it gets. In addition to being a parent, Sarah has coached hundreds of families around the world, using her training in child development, trauma recovery, interpersonal neurobiology, executive negotiation, classroom experience, and improv comedy. Her book is endorsed by the amazing Drs. Tina Payne Bryson (Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline), Mona Delahooke (Beyond Behaviors and Brain-Body Parenting), Michele Borba (Thrivers), Jessica Joelle Alexander (Danish Way of Parenting), Elizabeth Pantley (No-Cry Sleep Solution), Raffi (children’s troubadour and founder of The Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring), Andrew Newman (Conscious Stories), and others. Get your copy today.
Website - https://www.dandelion-seeds.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dandelionseedspositiveliving/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DandelionSeedsPositiveParenting/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DandelionSeedsPositiveParenting/featured
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarah_r_moore?lang=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DandelionSeeds5
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dandelionseeds5/
Resources
Book: https://a.co/d/1yNmvx8
Mini-Courses: https://dandelion-seeds.com/courses/
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
In this episode, Ned and I discuss the “parent as consultant” way of approaching raising children. It’s important to not solve all your kids' problems, they need to build those skills themselves to face issues in a constructive and thoughtful way.
We also discuss stress and how we all need to learn how to deal with it. As a parent, guardian or teacher, we all need to model self-care to manage our stress levels so our children can watch, learn and mimic that behavior.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
Why it’s important for kids to feel a sense of control
Being the parent and a consultant
How important play is
Why you should let young people solve their own problems
How to be that non-anxious presence in a Child's life
Remaining calm in stressful situations
Understanding that your kids want their lives to be great too
About The Guest - Ned Johnson
Ned Johnson is an author, speaker, and founder of PrepMatters, an educational company providing academic tutoring, educational planning, and standardized test preparation. A professional “tutor-geek” since 1993 and battle-tested veteran of test prep, stress regulation and student performance, Ned has spent nearly 50,000 one-on-one hours helping students conquer an alphabet of standardized tests, learn to manage their anxiety, and develop their own motivation to succeed. With Dr. William Stixrud, Ned co-authored The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives and What Do You Say? How To Talk With Kids To Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home. Ned is the host of the PrepTalks podcast: conversations with parenting and education experts. A sought-after speaker and teen coach on study skills, sleep deprivation, parent-teen dynamics, and test anxiety, and his work is featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, BBC, and many others.
Website - theselfdrivenchild.com
Instagram - @theothernedjohnson
Ned’s Resource - Top 10 Tips from The Self-Driven Child: https://prepmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SDC_Talk_Handout-1.pdf
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Did you know that mindfulness practice can shrink the amygdala which is the part of the brain that is responsible for fight, flight or freeze? While I know the benefits of mindfulness, I sometimes struggle to actually practice it. But several years ago, I was able to finally start on my mindfulness journey - by using food!
This can be done with any type of food but I particularly love using berries or chocolate. Take a listen to learn how to use this technique…
The topics I cover in this episode are:
How mindfulness with food can help
I run through an exercise with you from ‘The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook’ on mindful eating
How I used this strategy during lockdown to help my clients
Please keep in mind that clients may have food allergies or sensitivities so I encourage you to check with families before you do this activity.
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
Resources mentioned in the podcast
Taren, A. A., Gianaros, P. J., Greco, C. M., Lindsay, E. K., Fairgrieve, A., Brown, K. W., … Creswell, J. D. (2015). Mindfulness meditation training alters stress-related amygdala resting state functional connectivity: a randomized controlled trial. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 10(12), 1758–1768. http://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsv066
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
In this episode I am joined by Speech Language Pathologist Elizabeth A. Sautter to talk about ‘Whole body Listening Larry’. For our communities to evolve and grow, we have to constantly look at ourselves, the way we speak and how and what we teach children in schools about diversity. Not every brain is created biologically the same, so why do we think we could learn, listen, work or play the same way? I hope this episode opens your mind up to the positivity and brilliance that comes from people with neurodiverse brains.
The topics we cover in this episode are;
What is ‘Whole body Listening Larry’?
How has ‘Whole body Listening Larry’ changed over the years?
What is on the new poster?
How Elizabeth was trained to be a Speech Language Pathologist
What masking can look like
How can a teacher deal with so many children with so many different needs?
What is neurodiversity?
What is neurodivergent?
Thoughts on the name ‘ADHD’?
Elizabeth's coping skills
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Guest - Elizabeth Sautter
Elizabeth A. Sautter, M.A., CCC-Speech Language Pathologist, is an international speaker, author, and trainer with expertise in social-emotional learning and executive functioning. She is a co-author of the original Whole Body Listening Larry series and poster. She collaborates on the Zones of Regulation curriculum as a presenter and co-author of Zones products, including children’s books, card decks, and games. She has authored the parent activity book, Make Social and Emotional Learning Stick along with two card decks for social-emotional support for parents. She has co-created an online course for parents and is passionate about supporting families (just like hers) with additional needs.
Free Whole Body Listening Larry Poster at everydayregulation.com
Elizabeth’s Website - Elizabethsautter.com
Instagram - instagram.com/elizabeth.sautter
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethSautterMACCCSLP
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
This episode is the next installment of ‘Coping skills for adults’ and I want to focus on the movement style. Movement and exercise is a strange one. Before doing it, you really don’t want to, it takes a lot of momentum but once you’ve completed a workout don’t you just feel amazing with all those feel-good hormones running through your body? This isn’t just a feeling, it’s been scientifically proven! Movement helps your physical functioning, studies also show it improves your cognitive function but most interestingly exercise improves your mental health.
The topics I cover in this episode are:
How can exercise help?
What types of exercise are best?
Working out what works for you with exercise
Different exercises to try out; boxing, swimming, hula hooping, golfing etc
Keeping exercise sustainable
The ways I enjoy exercise
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
Resources mentioned in the podcast
Chekroud, S.R., Gueorguieva, R., Zheutlin, A.B, Paulus, M., Harlan M Krumholz, H.M., Krystal, J.H., Adam M Chekroud, A.M. Exercise is known to be associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality. (2018, August 8). Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1·2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: A cross-sectional study. The Lancet Psychiatry. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221503661830227X
Falck RS; Davis JC; Best JR; Crockett RA;Liu-Ambrose T; (n.d.). Impact of exercise training on physical and cognitive function among older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurobiology of aging. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31051329/
NY Times Article - What's the best type of exercise
https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17exercise-t.html
Kettlebell strength training and bodysurfer - Wendy Snyder
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-108
Barre 3 and kitchen dancing - Marcelle Waldman https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-101
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
We can learn a lot from history and luckily as humans we can learn to progress and right our wrongs, to be more ethical or helpful. In regards to caring for children, in the past we used restraint techniques when a child was displaying negative behavior and some were even paddled! In fact I was stunned to learn that, as of 2022 paddling is legal and being practiced in 15 U.S states. You don’t need hard scientific evidence to know this isn’t right. My guest Kim Hopkins joins me to talk about safer, kinder techniques we can use with our children to help them learn effectively.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
Old school restraint techniques and how we feel about them now
Why do some kids have such concerning behaviors?
What happens when kids lack skills
What is an upstream model?
How being a parent can change you as a therapist
Why rewards and consequences don’t work for some kids
The great side of teenagers
Modeling and how you can use your power differently as the parent / adult
What length of time does the modeling technique take?
Resources you can discover from Lives in the Balance
How Kim rests and recharges
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Guest - Kim Hopkins
Ms. Hopkins is an independently licensed clinical social worker who has specialized in working with behaviorally challenging kids for more than 20 years. She has managed the clinical departments of two organizations serving youth and families in residential facilities, foster homes, therapeutic day schools, and homeless shelters. She has been a Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) Trainer since 2007 helping schools, residentials, hospitals, and parents to successfully implement the CPS Model. Ms. Hopkins is also the Director of Outreach & Communication for Dr. Ross Greene’s non-profit, Lives in the Balance.
Website - www.livesinthebalance.org
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livesinthebalance/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/livesinthebalance
Twitter - https://twitter.com/LITB_
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_vZVcW8jPRhoWy85a6yv8g
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
This episode is the next installment of ‘Coping skills for adults’ and I wanted to explore some sensory strategies we can use to cope, destress, and relax throughout our days. We’re all busy people so if we can take these mini relaxation moments to destress then it won’t feel like another item to add to the to-do list, you can do it while you’re at the supermarket or working at your desk.
The topics I cover in this episode are:
Recognizing everyday things to be mindful and present
Using different senses from sight to taste
Being mindful with that first sip of coffee in the morning
Taking a mindful bite
How music can influence how you’re feeling
Using podcasts to soothe yourself
Are you a highly sensitive person?
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
Resources mentioned in the podcast
Elaine Aron - www.hsperson.com
Calm and Connected Podcast 116 - Ryan Judd
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-116
Calm and Connected Podcast 99 - Sophie Garner
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-99
Free resource for adults to explore their coping skills
https://copingskillsforkids.com/coping-skills-for-adults
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
How many times have you found yourself in a tech hole where you’ve been scrolling for what feels like an eternity yet you still can’t switch off the device? After you feel groggy and unmotivated to do anything. If it happens to us… then surely that same feeling happens to our kids and some of them don’t have the skill to recognize what’s going on. This episode is all about keeping children safe online, teaching them to look after their mind and body to use tech in a useful way without damaging their health. My guest Julia Storm is a Los Angeles-based Digital Media Wellness Specialist, the perfect person to talk to on this subject! Let’s dive in…
The topics we cover in this episode are:
Do kids really want to talk about their life online?
How should parents deal with screen time?
How the way we interact with technology changes throughout our lives
How to talk to your child to ensure their online safety
Having a curious attitude about your child’s online habits
Mind / body awareness around screen use
How can we support our kids with learning on tech in schools?
Phones in schools - a good or bad idea?
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Guest - Julia Storm
Julia Storm is a Los Angeles-based Digital Media Wellness Specialist. She is an educator, writer, public speaker and the founder of ReConnect, a whole child and whole family approach to preparing kids for life in the Digital Age. Prior to launching ReConnect, Julia served as Director of Production for the award winning children’s media production company, The Mother Company. During her tenure at The Mother Company Julia produced children's media content for Netflix, Amazon, iTunes and PBS in partnership with the top child development specialists in the country. Since the founding of ReConnect, Julia has become a highly sought after go-to source for parents, schools, community organizations, corporate and non-profit companies who want to help their children understand, navigate, and thrive in the digital world. Julia is also a consultant on tech and parenting for the KTLA Morning News and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Parent Magazine, LA Parent, Wired, OnAir among others. Julia received her BA from Princeton University and earned a Masters from UCLA's School of Film, Television, and Digital Media. When she's not working, Julia spends most of her time keeping up with her two very active and beautiful sons.
Website - www.reconnect-families.com
Instagram - @reconnect4u
Taming Tech: Online Class For Parents - This Foundational class teaches parents of kids age 5-12 everything they need to know to tame screen time drama and start kids on the road to a balanced relationship with technology.
https://www.reconnect-academy.net/taming-tech-course
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
The Power of Play: learning what comes naturally by David Elkind, Ph.D.
Chapter 3 - Screen Play & Iconic Literacy
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Have you ever taken part in your own gratefulness experiment? Perhaps you have written a small list every day for a month to see how it impacts you? Studies show that practicing gratefulness can benefit your psychological well being, improve relationships, increase empathy, reduce toxic emotions and is just in general good for your wellbeing. Whether you’ve done this before or you’re a first-timer, then is there a better time to do this than in the month of Thanksgiving? I think not!
The topics I cover in this episode are;
The processing coping style
A story about Oprah’s gratefulness practice
The benefits of writing things down
My gratefulness list
Watching nature unfold
The benefits pets can bring
The beauty of thank-you notes
Research and Links I mentioned in this episode:
Research about gratitude
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377
Froh, Jeffrey & Sefick, William & Emmons, Robert. (2008). Counting blessings in early adolescents: An experimental study of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of School Psychology. 46. 213-33. 10.1016/j.jsp.2007.03.005.
Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. A. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30, 890 – 905.
Wood, A.M, Maltby, J., Gillett, R., Linley P.A., Joseph, S., (2008). The role of gratitude in the development of social support, stress, and depression: Two longitudinal studies. Journal of Research in Personality, 42 (4) 854-871, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2007.11.003.
Article on gratitude
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
Oprah on gratitude
https://www.oprah.com/spirit/oprahs-gratitude-journal-oprah-on-gratitude
Calm and Connected episode mentioned
Episode 70 - Using Dominoes to Demonstrate How Kindness Can Have a Ripple Effect
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-70
Free resource for adults to explore their coping skills
https://copingskillsforkids.com/coping-skills-for-adults
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
his episode is all about music. Have you ever felt anxious and put on your favorite calming song? Or perhaps sad and delved into a heartfelt playlist? I would guess most of us use music to fuel our tough workouts! My guest on this episode Ryan Judd is an internationally known music therapist who uses the power of song with children - mainly in the school setting. Research shows music produces Oxytocin in the brain which is the hormone associated with social bonding, a very important skill to learn as a child. Listening isn’t the only part that is beneficial, but playing music can help children bond further and release any emotions through sensory play.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
How Ryan found Music Therapy
What music therapy looks like in a school setting
How powerful it is to work in a group
Singing produces Oxytocin in the brain
The bonding experience of singing with others
Music and anxiety - are there any links?
The sensory side of playing music
How Ryan likes to rest and recharge
Being present with your children
About The Guest - Ryan Judd
Ryan lives in Exeter, New Hampshire with his wife and their two young boys. He is an internationally known music therapist, Billboard Chart Topping recording artist, and ChildLight Yoga® & Mindfulness Instructor. Ryan has a master’s degree in music therapy and counseling psychology from Naropa University, one of the top contemplative education schools in the country. Ryan has a private practice in music therapy and has been helping kids find fun ways to relax and de-stress through music and mindfulness for more than 20 years. His two albums of research-based sleep music for children are the top-selling sleep CDs for children on Amazon and they have both won the "Parents' Choice" silver medal award. Ryan's soothing instrumental music has reached the top ten of Billboard charts, is featured on SiriusXM's Spa Channel, and has been added to numerous editorial playlists on Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon Music. His recordings bring together his skills as a music therapist and accomplished fingerstyle guitarist and have been streamed more than 250 million times. Ryan is committed to making music and meditations to improve the well-being of others.
Ryan’s Website’s - www.TheRhythmTree.com / www.RyanJuddMusic.com / www.CoolKoala.co
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/coolkoalabedtime
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coolkoalabedtime/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/RyanJuddMusic
Resources from Ryan
Cool Koala iOS app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cool-koala-bedtime-meditations/id1615557294
Soaring Together Album:
Streaming link: https://songwhip.com/ryanjudd/soaring-together
Physical CD on Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Soaring-Together-Relaxation-Meditation-Well-Being/dp/B08TMSHD9C
Music Therapy Resources: https://www.therhythmtree.com/store
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Today I want to focus on the coping style of distraction. Distraction is really focused on play and fun activities to help us manage big thoughts, emotions and feelings, but let’s focus on the adult piece of play in this episode. Play is a natural stress reliever which can have a big impact on relationships and work therefore we could all do with a little more fun and play in our lives. I want you to consider; what is fun for you? What can you do today to help relieve some stress?
The topics I cover in this episode are;
Meeting Stuart Brown at a play conference
What kids can learn through play
Play isn’t just for kids so why is it frowned upon for adults?
What does play look like for adults?
Why play at work is essential
Examples of adults adding joy to their work in the airport and with UberEats
How play can resolve disagreements
Links I mentioned in this episode;
Play and Coping Skills
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-12
Interview with Sophie Garner
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-99
Helpful Articles
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/moral-landscapes/202012/how-play-adult
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/14/smarter-living/adults-play-work-life-balance.html
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/adult-lego-masters/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/01/16/legos-toys-for-stressed-adults/
Free Resource for Adults:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/coping-skills-for-adults
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
This week I spoke to the lovely Jana York, a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher about how we can help our kids through the power of the breath. Mindfulness thankfully is everywhere these days, it may have started in the east but it’s definitely being adopted in the west. Speaking of geography, Jana York has taught children in Japan and Thailand, from her experience there she learned a lot of ways to use sensory toys and games to help children self-regulate and be more at peace with their anxiety.
The topics we cover in this episode are;
How Jana first found mindfulness
Teaching army bases in Japan and Thailand
The difficulties army children face when moving countries
The Calming Corner and its benefits
It’s not about punishment, it’s about self regulation
How sensory toys can help
Breathing props
Why Jana decided to write her book
Jana’s firefly analogy
How Jana likes to relax
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Guest - Jana York
Jana York is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher and has been a mindfulness practitioner and children’s mindfulness educator for more than a decade. She has conducted research and written on mindfulness. Her main passion is teaching children how to reduce anxiety and self-regulate while being in the present moment. Ms York is a special contributor in the Teaching Mindfulness book. She is the author of U Is for Understanding – Claire’s Journey toward Mindfulness and is featured in the book Educating Mindfully – Stories of Transformation through Mindfulness. She hosts workshops for parents and teachers and loves taking part in podcasts and mindfulness summits to help share her love for mindfulness.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jana.york.16
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janayorkmindful/
Jana’s Book - U is for Understanding - https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Claires-Journey-toward-Mindfulness-ebook/dp/B08KWJ3BTR/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=u+is+for+understanding+claire%27s+journey+toward+mindfulness&qid=1659994640&sr=8-1
Jana’s Book - Teaching Mindfulness - https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Mindfulness-Amoneeta-Beckstein-ebook/dp/B0B5HSZJXL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=162CJTWXC7XHQ&keywords=Teaching+Mindfulness+Amoneeta+Beckstein&qid=1659994694&sprefix=teaching+mindfulness+amoneeta+beckstein%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
This is the second episode in the ‘Coping Skills for Adults’ series, today I’m focusing on relaxation strategies. It’s so helpful to have a variety of coping strategies because each one will work better for different times. This episode is all about tapping into yourself, working out what works specifically for you, ignoring what you’re told should work on social media or by other people. The beauty of the human race is that we’re all different so listen to yourself and tap into what works for you.
The topics I cover in this episode are;
Thinking about what actually works for you, not what instagram or the outside world is telling you
Imagining your favorite place strategy
What is tracing? And how can it help anxiety?
What actually is a body scan? And how can it help?
Progressive muscle relaxation
The grounding technique
My free brainstorming worksheet to help you figure out your own coping skills
Free brainstorming worksheet - https://copingskillsforkids.com/coping-skills-for-adults
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Award-winning author, Maureen Healy is my guest on this week’s episode to talk all about emotions. When you think that our brains aren’t fully developed until our mid-twenties, it puts into perspective how difficult it is to deal with ever-changing emotions at the age of, say, 8 years old. My guest, Maureen, talks about her book ‘The Happiness Workbook for Kids’, and how it can help you as a parent or teacher to teach kids how to deal with emotions in a healthy way.
The topics we cover in this episode are;
Why Maureen decided to write the book
Emotions are temporary so how do you deal with them at that moment?
There are no bad emotions
Patience is key with learning how to let difficult emotions pass
Why you should celebrate wins
How thinking of the science of brain development can help
What are the best activities in getting kids to stop, think and make better choices?
Thinking about your ripple effect
Breathing exercises
Having the students as the teacher
Different forms of Meditation
About The Guest - Maureen Healy
Maureen Healy is an award-winning author, sought-after speaker and leader focused on children’s emotional health. She writes a popular blog for Psychology Today, which has reached millions worldwide. Tal Ben-Shahar said, “Maureen has provided an important antidote to the difficult times so many of our kids are going through these days” describing her new book: The Happiness Workbook for Kids. Healy’s prior book, The Emotionally Healthy Child (preface from Dalai Lama), won the Nautilus Book Award, Book Excellence and Forward Indie in 2019.
With 15+ years of experience, Maureen has guided 1000’s of parents and their children, worked with educators globally, taught in the classroom, and given keynote talks throughout North America, Europe and Asia. She’s also appeared across all media outlets such as: ABC’s “Midday Live” in San Francisco, New York Times and Forbes, PBS’s “This Emotional Life” series, and Scholastic magazine, as examples.
Maureen’s educational credentials include a BA and MBA from Clark University in Worcester, MA and a PhD program in Child Clinical Psychology at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. Additionally, Maureen has studied with happiness teachers globally, which has bolstered her joy immensely. She says, “Life is never boring,” especially as she continues to learn from every experience she has and person she meets.
Website - https://growinghappykids.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maureendhealy/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mdhealy
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
It’s been a while since I recorded a solo episode so here goes! During my mini break I was thinking; what can I do to support educators, counselors, families and parents with my podcast? And from that I felt inspired to do a mini series on coping skills for adults! I thought it’s a good time of year to start this series with a new school year approaching. It’s such a stressful and overwhelming time and I want to help you with it.
The topics I cover in this episode are:
flight, fight or freeze mode and the connection to breathing
How deep breathing can help you focus
two strategies that you can use
where I've seen deep breathing used recently on tv
Want to explore your coping skills? Join the newsletter and receive questions and a brainstorming worksheet to help you!
https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-111
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
On today’s show I speak to Speech Language Pathologist Heidi Miller about all things speech related. SLP’s help children with speech i.e. the way they articulate sounds, they help with language, so the way they put words together which also encompasses social skills so what a person says, how they say it, when they say it and picking up on others peoples cue’s which for some children can be a real challenge. It’s a big subject so we start by talking about how children’s social skills have changed since the pandemic…
The topics we cover in this episode are;
What a speech language pathologist does
Children don’t have to vocalize to be communicating
Every child is different, even if they grew up in the same household
What is a pragmatic disorder?
How can you tell the difference between a pragmatic disorder or just effects from the pandemic?
Which games Heidi uses in therapy with children
Play is the natural way you can use social skills
It’s okay to feed your children conversation starters
Social skills start at home but we can help bridge that to school
Being a good listener and how that can affect your child
How Heidi likes to rest and recharge
About The Guest - Heidi Miller
Heidi Miller MS, CCC- SLP, COM® (Speech Language Pathologist Certified Orofacial Myologist Feeding Expert), who has been practicing speech for over 20 years, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her master’s in speech-language pathology from Nova Southeastern University. She is licensed in the states of New Jersey and Florida. Additionally, due to her extensive training in apraxia, she was chosen by New York University to attend an advanced Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) workshop for the most accomplished in the field. Heidi finished the International Association of Orofacial Myologist’s certification program becoming a Certified Orofacial Myologist. Heidi is the author of the HMS Feeding Therapy Protocol For Expanding Repertoire of Picky Eaters and Children With ARFID. A guide to teach SLP’s and OT’s how to effectively treat picky eaters by creating a safe environment for them to confidently learn to eat new foods. Clinician’s can earn ASHA CEU’s when they take her course. In addition to her work within the spectrum of speech, Heidi is a trained as a Certified Orofacial Myologist. She has a particular interest in feeding disorders, which can deeply affect children well into their future. Heidi was chosen to be a Main Guest Speaker at the Talk Tools OMD Deconstructed and Feeding Conference. Heidi has become an expert in the filed an has written several courses to teach other clinicians how to treat the picky feeder population. Heidi is extremely invested in her HMS team.Though Heidi has worked in a multitude of settings, including private clinics, hospitals, and schools, she found her home in her own practice, with 2 settings in Florham Park & Park Ridge New Jersey. Her practice has been recognized by NJ Family Magazine, Favorite Kid’s Doc since it opened its doors in 2010. Most recently winning “Top Vote Getter for Speech Pathology”. Heidi is married with three children, which helps her understand a parent’s perspective. Additionally, the stresses of a busy household are not lost on her. She can relate and empathize with the concern every parent has for their child, and her direct and honest approach will guide your family through every step of growth. When Heidi isn’t working to change the lives of children, she can be found in the joyful chaos of her own home with her husband Dan, her three kids, Justin, Landon, and Lyla, and their adorable dog, Baci.
Website - https://heidimillerspeech.com/about-us/
Instagram - @heidimillerspeechandassociates
TikTok @hmsfeedingandspeech
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiMillerSpeech/
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Take a long, slow, deep breath. In… and out. Doesn’t that feel a lot better? Today’s episode is all about breathing and how to regulate your nervous system. A lot of people say it and it’s just so true, the breath is so powerful and a good way to help navigate difficult situations and emotions. My guest is an expert in this field, Jennifer Cohen Harper is a mindfulness and yoga educator and she tells me the best practices when it comes to using your breath as well as the following topics…
The topics we cover in this episode are;
Teaching yoga and mindfulness in schools
What mistakes teachers sometimes make when teaching kids to use their breath
The different uses of the ‘in’ and ‘out’ breath and why it matters
Why saying to your child ‘Calm down’ is so dismissive and never really helps
‘Controlling’ big emotions
The importance of modeling using these same skills yourself as the parent
Get obvious with your kids
Owning up to your own mistakes as parents / teachers
Teaching children to love their bodies and not judge themselves based on appearance
How each stage of parenthood can teach you something new about yourself
How Jennifer likes to relax
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Guest - Jennifer Cohen Harper
Jennifer Cohen Harper is a mindfulness and yoga educator, author, public speaker and mother, who works to support children in the development of strong inner resources. She is the author of the popular Thank You Children's book series, including new release Thank You Breath: Finding Peace and Power from the Inside Out, as well as the creator of numerous yoga and mindfulness based card decks, activity books and other resources for children and families. Jennifer founded Little Flower Yoga and Mindfulness in 2006. As the Founder and CEO, Jennifer brings embodied mindfulness programming and education to schools and community organizations nationwide, serving students, families, educators, and mental health care providers. Jennifer’s work has been featured in prominent publications including the NY Times, The International Journal of Yoga Therapy, Publishers Weekly, Yoga Journal, and the Huffington Post. Jennifer’s work has been endorsed by thought leaders including Dr. Daniel Siegel, Rick Hanson, Sharon Salzberg and Congressman Tim Ryan. She is a frequent presenter at mindfulness, yoga, education and mental health conferences, and teaches regularly at renowned retreat centers including Omega Institute, Kripalu, and 1440 Multiversity.
Website - www.jennifercohenharper.com / www.littlefloweryoga.com
Instagram - @jennifercohenharper
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jennifercohenharper
Jennifer’s New Book - Thank You Breath: Finding Peace and Power from the Inside Out
New Workshop - Navigating Anxiety in Children: Meeting Stress with Inner Strength. Offering a new guided version of the course starting in Sept. in partnership with Omega Institute - https://www.eomega.org/online-workshops/navigating-anxiety-in-children/navigating-anxiety-children-meeting-stress-inner
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
I’m thrilled to welcome Wendy Snyder, a Positive Parenting educator, family life coach & advocate to my podcast this week as she has such a brilliant story of when life gets hard, how you can flip it around to a positive and loving life. Wendy had so much trouble with her daughter being so strong willed after quitting her job to become a stay-at-home mom. She was convinced she had ADHD or something of the sort until she took a local parenting course. Take a listen to this episode to learn how you can flip up your life and gain the knowledge you need to have a more fulfilling and happy parenthood.
The topics we cover in this episode are:
How you imagine parenthood VS reality
The idea behind Cactus Kids
Why you don’t want to squash strong-willed behaviors
What strategies do and don’t work
Different culture pressures
Offer an inch and they will take a mile
What should families do who are struggling with power?
Letting them make the decision
Changing your mindset as a parent to not dread certain life moments
The beauty of every life stage - toddlers to teenagers
How do you keep yourself calm in those difficult moments
Self compassion and curiosity
How movement can spark joy
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Guest - Wendy Snyder
Wendy Snyder is a Positive Parenting educator, family life coach & advocate. She is certified in Redirecting Children's Behavior & The Joy of Parenting Program. Wendy founded her online business, Fresh Start Family, so that she could spread the message of positive parenting across the world. She is the developer of a variety of online positive parenting courses and also has a monthly membership program to further support families. Wendy helps families parent from a place of great purpose and intention by creating healthy, respectful & cooperative relationships.
Website - www.freshstartfamilyonline.com
Instagram - @freshstartwendy www.instagram.com/freshstartwendy
Facebook - facebook.com/freshstartfamily
Free Guide to Raising Strong Willed Kids:
https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/strongwilledkids/
Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint:
https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firm-kind-blueprint/
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
I’m excited to be speaking to world renowned parent expert Sue Atkins on this episode of the Calm & Connected podcast. We discuss the pro’s and con’s of having an outspoken child, they may make your life difficult but don’t you want a child who can stand up for themselves? Children are naturally so curious so it’s our job as their parents to help them learn and explore the world, not dull their experience so we don’t have to put the effort in.
The topics we cover in this episode are;
Why do kids ask ‘Why?’ so much? And what can we do about it?
Toddlers, independence and saying ‘no’
The importance of slowing down in parenthood
How can parents support their kids while coming out of the pandemic?
How beneficial it can be for your child to see you relax
Don’t be a perfect parent
The 4 C’s; Connection, Count, Capable, Courage
Enjoying the journey, not just focusing on the destination
About The Guest - Sue Atkins
Sue Atkins is an internationally recognised Parenting Expert, Broadcaster, Speaker and Author of the Amazon best-selling books “Parenting Made Easy – How to Raise Happy Children” & “Raising Happy Children for Dummies" one in the famous black and yellow series as well as author of the highly acclaimed Parenting Made Easy resources. She regularly appears on the award-winning flagship ITV show “This Morning,” Good Morning Britain and Sky News & is the parenting expert for many BBC Radio Stations around the UK.
Follow Sue:
Website www.thesueatkins.com
Sue on Twitter: @sueatkins
Sue on Instagram: @sueatkins18
Sue on Facebook: Sue Atkins The Parenting Expert
Sue on LinkedIn: Sue Atkins
Sue on Pinterest: Sue Atkins Parenting Expert
Sue on YouTube: Sue Atkins Parenting Expert
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
I’m so excited to welcome Dr Lynne Kenney on to the Calm & Connected Podcast this week. We chat about all things executive functioning and how sessions differ with children in comparison to teenagers. We kept the conversation on the lighter treatment side rather than all the science-lingo heavy side. I hope you enjoy it!!
The topics we cover in this episode are;
What actually is executive functioning?
How young you can start teaching children executive function skills
How slowing down for kids can make them achieve and learn more
Different types of mindfulness practices
How mantras can help
How little questions can have a big impact
How things differ from children to teenagers
Teenagers are human too - they want love, affection and to feel masterful
The importance of thinking about what other people need
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
Dr. Lynne Kenney is the nation’s leading pediatric psychologist in the development of classroom cognitive-physical activity programs for students grades K-8. Dr. Kenney develops curriculum, programming, and activities to improve children’s cognition through coordinative cognitive-motor movement, executive function skill-building strategies, and social-emotional learning.
Dr. Kenney is a pediatric psychologist on the Language & Cognition Team at Wellington-Alexander Center, Scottsdale, Arizona. She has advanced fellowship training in forensic psychology and developmental pediatric psychology from Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Harbor-UCLA/UCLA Medical School. Dr. Kenney holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Physical Education from the University of Southern California. In 1992, she earned her Doctorate in Psychology at Pepperdine.
Dr. Kenney’s books include Brain Primers, 2020 (Kuczala & Kenney); 70 Play Activities for Better Thinking, Self-Regulation, Learning and Behavior (Kenney & Comizio, 2016); the Social-Emotional Literacy program, Bloom Your Room™; Musical Thinking™; and Bloom: 50 things to say, think and do with anxious, angry and over-the-top-kids (Kenney & Young, 2015).
Website - www.lynnekenney.com
Twitter - @drlynnekenney
Instagram - @drlynnekenney
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
In this episode, I invited Dr. Dawn Huebner, child psychologist and parent coach back on the show to talk about her mini book series called Mini Books about Mighty Fears. Alongside that we learn about what phobias really are, how to combat them plus…
How parents tend to react to their child's fear
Why comforting and reassuring can be so damaging
The brain’s alarm system
The best first step to take with a new fear
With fears, practice is key!
The old school methods of dealing with fears
Anxiety is uncomfortable but not dangerous
The most common childhood fears
About The Guest - Dr Dawn Huebner
Dawn Huebner, PhD, is the award-winning author of 14 books for children selling over 1 million copies in 23 languages. A child psychologist, parent coach, and popular speaker, Dr. Dawn translates the latest research into actionable strategies to free young worriers from anxiety. She has been featured on a host of news and information outlets and is frequently interviewed by popular parenting magazines with the aim of helping children live happier lives.
Dawn’s Website - dawnhuebnerphd.com
Dawn’s mini book series - https://www.dawnhuebnerphd.com/books-by-dawn/
Dawn’s Facebook page
Mini Books about Mighty Fears
Get 15% off the books until 6/30/2022
Visit us.jkp.com to use the Discount Code: MIGHTYFEARS15
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
In this episode I discuss resting and resetting as we all head into summer. Recently I took a business class and from that I have picked up a habit of asking myself two questions every single day; What do I get to enjoy today? And an evening question which is - If I could relive this day, what would I do differently?
I noticed I would get to the end of the day, and the tasks I wished I had completed were, call my mom or talk to my sister… the common link? Connection! I had been missing connection with those around me so I set about changing that! And I want this episode to focus on that for you. How can you and your family connect this summer? If you’re stuck for ideas then be sure to listen to this episode as I share ways you can reconnect and energize with different activities.
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
In this week’s episode I talk to child and adolescent psychotherapist, Katie Hurley about her brand new book ‘The Stress-Buster Workbook for Kids’ which I have absolutely loved reading and learning from. Stress and anxiety isn’t something just adults experience, children do too, so the earlier we can educate them on useful coping skills and techniques, the better! In this episode we discuss the following;
The importance of fresh and engaging ideas to reel in kids
The different types of stress - good stress, toxic stress, mini stress
Our window of tolerance, our emotions always go up and down everyday
How picturing someone's grandma can help children understand how to be kind
The ‘Take 5’ grounding technique
Mindfulness and multitasking
What is a dream disc? And how does it help kids at night?
The truth behind creative brains having trouble at night time
How to set boundaries
No is a complete sentence
How the pandemic made us lose our boundaries
How Katie rests and recharges
About The Guest: Katie Hurley, LCSW
Katie Hurley, LCSW, is a child and adolescent psychotherapist and the author of five books, including her award winning No More Mean Girls and her latest release, The Stress-Buster Workbook for Kids.
Website - www.practicalkatie.com
Twitter - @katiefhurley
Instagram - @katiefhurley
And remember, don’t forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
In this episode, I discuss some ways you can practice problem solving using creative prompts. As we all know, social skills are key to interacting well with others - skills such as listening, working together, being kind, watching your own personal space versus others personal space and taking turns. They all need to be learned in childhood to have a successful and fulfilling adult life.
I share how to use things around your office or home as a social skills building activity. You can use any items you have lying around, like paper straws, cotton balls, yarn, paper cups, clothes pins, duck tape - all lots of weird and wonderful materials.
The group then goes on to choose what problems to solve. It works great with different ages of kids. If you're doing this as part of a group plan, it's good to debrief at the end, and find out what they think worked and what didn’t, etc. Take a listen to learn how to use these items to practice social skills.
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
In this week’s episode I talk to educator, parent and founder of FeelLinks; Marcelle Waldman. FeelLinks is a hands-on resource for kids that has plush emotion dolls and a journal. We had such a great conversation about how we can support social and emotional learning at home, through listening to what our kids are saying. The topics we cover are:
Benefits of social and emotional learning
How working on your own emotions helps you understand societies emotions
The importance of listening to our emotions
How social and emotional learning doesn’t just take place at school
Listening to your kids and learning from them
How to model identifying your emotions and dealing with them
Making plans when emotions are calm
When emotions are high, realizing why that’s not the teachable moment
How journalling can be beneficial
About The Guest: Marcelle Waldman
Marcelle Waldman lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. She is a certified K-5 elementary educator, which means having the incredible opportunity to teach some of their youngest learners in kindergarten and preschool. She has also served as the preschool director. Marcelle has completed extensive coursework in psychology, child development, youth mental health and she is Youth Mental Health First Aid trained. Being a community educator - she is focused on children, brain development, behaviors, emotions and overall emotional intelligence. Alongside this, she is an avid community volunteer, having served on the school’s PTA board as vice president and president, contributed to many School District committees, currently sit on the Issaquah Schools Foundation programs committee, and volunteers for the Ladybug House, an end of life hospice and palliative care program. Marcelle’s company FeelLinks is a hands-on resource for children. It promotes growth in lifelong skills in emotional intelligence; self-awareness, social-awareness, self-management, and relationships skills.
Website - Myfeellinks.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/myfeellinks
Instagram - @myfeellinks
You can find the FeelLinks Journal and dolls here - https://myfeellinks.com
And remember, don’t forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
A lot of times, anxiety comes from feeling out of control so in today's episode I want to discuss the way I teach kids to understand what they do and don’t have control over in their lives. This is such a great skill to learn for any age to hone in the ability to keep anxiety at bay.
I first learned about this strategy when I was in therapy as a teenager. It was such an eye opener for me to recognize I didn't have control over other people and their actions. And to go through life with that lens, I believe has majorly benefited my life. So take a listen to empower your child.
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
—
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
Please note: On this podcast episode, we mention the topic of suicidal ideation, and there are a couple of swears in this episode. I wanted you to be aware of this in case this is hard for you to listen to, or there are younger ears listening. Enjoy the interview!
Music is so amazing! There’s a good chance you’ve experienced music changing your mood from being grumpy to feeling full of life. Listening to music has a range of benefits but on this episode, my guest Sophie Garner shared how creating music can be therapeutic too. In this episode we cover a range of topics such as;
The power of music
How music connects us all
The connection between music and mental health
How singing can improve your health
The creative songwriting journal
Finding your target audience when writing a book
Different relaxing techniques
About The Guest: Sophie Garner
Sophie Garner changes lives through singing and songwriting. She is an accomplished singer, performer, and an educator. She's also an author 'The Creative Songwriting Journal' for children ages 7-12, and has published her 2nd book 'If you can't say it sing it!’. Sophie is a natural educator and full of energy, her passions and goals stem from believing in the true, holistic and deep effects of music, and sharing the gift of music, as a therapy and a life skill, to help others learn to comfortably express themselves, allowing her students to grow in confidence and develop socially.
Website - www.sophiegarner.com
Facebook - Sophiegarnerauthor
Twitter - Sophiegarner1
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
This week’s episode is all about recess and movement. In my opinion, we don’t value the power of movement enough; it’s so vital to help kids focus, work on social skills, be more ready to learn, and manage big emotions. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about two pieces of research that focus on the power of recess:
The LiiNK project where children get 4 periods of recess per day. LiiNK students typically decrease their off-task behaviors by 25-35% in the first year, their reading and math scores go up, plus they were observed smiling and laughing more.
A position paper named ‘A Research-Based Case for Recess’ which looks at the social, academic, and physical effects of having more recess.
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
A research based case for recess - https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/US-play-coalition_Research-based-case-for-recess.pdf
LIINK project - https://liinkproject.tcu.edu/about
Marvelous Movement Activity Book and other Movement Coping Style Resources
https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/movement-coping-style
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Have you ever spotted an Instagram post of smiling parents who are having the most perfect life with their child and then felt shame and guilt that you aren’t nearly as perfect as them? Well you’re definitely not alone on that one! Today’s episode is all about us… the parents. I discussed with my guest, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Parent Coach; Nicole Schwarz about what happens around the shame spiral and how we can talk to ourselves in a kinder way to be more content with being an imperfect parent. We always need to remember that real life is messy, it's not great all the time, sometimes we mess up and guess what?… That’s okay!
Take some time for yourself, embrace those imperfections and take a listen to this episode.
About The Guest - Nicole Schwarz
Nicole Schwarz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Parent Coach with over fifteen years of experience working with families and children in various settings. She is the owner of Imperfect Families, LLC and author of "It Starts With You," coaching parents to use positive, respectful parenting strategies. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three daughters.
Website & Book - https://imperfectfamilies.com/it-starts-with-you/
Facebook - facebook.com/imperfectfamilies
Instagram - instagram.com/imperfectfamilies
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
In this episode I want to take a closer look at zones of regulation, coping skills and their relation to each other. When speaking in schools, I like to learn what strategies & techniques they use and I hear a lot about Second Step, Responsive Classroom, Open Circle and Restorative Justice, but I’ve also heard a lot of schools using something called ‘Zones of Regulation’ based on ‘The Zones Of Regulation’ book by Leah Kuypers. It’s a way to meet the social and emotional needs of their students.
For reference during the podcast;
Blue rest area symbol = Sick or tired
Green circle symbol = Happy / calm / ready to learn
Yellow yield symbol = worried / frustrated / annoyed
Red stop symbol = Stop / angry / overwhelmed
This system helps kids to label their emotions with shapes and color rather than calling them out at point blank. After a child can identify their feelings, we can start to look at coping skills to bring them back to green. We want to encourage them back to a green, calm, ready to learn space which may look different depending on what color / shape they’re coming from.
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
In this episode I talk to JoAnn Crohn, former elementary school teacher and podcast host of No Guilt Mom. She is the author of Me and My Friendships, to help kids learn more about themselves and build friendships with other kids. We cover a lot of topics in the episode, including:
What even is ‘too’ emotional?
The social differences between middle and elementary school
Finding ‘your’ people
Finding yourself and not molding into a different person with different friends
What are the key characteristics of a good friend?
Using an outside source to help your kids learn, rather than doing it directly
How making assumptions about your kids can be damaging
About The Guest - JoAnn Crohn
JoAnn Crohn, M. Ed is a parenting educator who helps moms feel confident in everything from raising empowered, self-sufficient kids to dropping the anxiety and guilt out of modern parenthood. She’s an accomplished writer, author, podcast host of the No Guilt Mom podcast, and speaker, appearing in national media and founder of the parenting site, NoGuiltMom.com. Her specialty is talking to both parents and kids - with her self-paced digital courses for kids and parents in handling big emotions, creating a morning routine and conquering the homework drama. JoAnn is a former elementary school teacher with a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a National Board Certified Teacher in Middle Childhood Education.
JoAnn’s free Happy Parent Checklist - https://www.noguiltmom.com/hpc
Instagram: @noguiltmom
Facebook: facebook.com/noguiltmom
Website: www.noguiltmom.com
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Have you ever thought about your body when feeling a strong emotion? Where do you feel it? Is it in your chest or tingling down the back of your legs? Some people can reach adulthood before even realizing this, even though we feel emotions throughout our lives.
This episode of the podcast is about just that - where do we feel emotions and why is it important? All feelings are okay, but it's good to recognize them to intervene sooner by using coping skills so emotions don’t get out of control. Self awareness is key! This episode will explore one of my favorite techniques - using body outlines to mark where kids feel emotions.
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
On today’s podcast, I get a chance to speak with Natasha Daniels, the founder of AT Parenting Community about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Natasha’s expertise is anxiety and OCD, and we discuss what OCD can look like, when you should seek out more support, and different strategies that you should use when dealing with OCD.
About The Guest - Natasha Daniels, Child Therapist
Natasha Daniels is a child anxiety & OCD therapist, and mom to three kids with anxiety & OCD. She is the author of Anxiety Sucks: A Teen Survival Guide, How to Parent Your Anxious Toddler, Social Skills Activities for Kids and It’s Brave to Be Kind.
She is the creator of ATParentingSurvival.com, the Youtube channel, Ask the Child Therapist and the host of The AT Parenting Survival Podcast.
She offers parents worldwide resources on how to help kids with anxiety or OCD through her online AT Parenting Survival school.
Her work has been featured in various places including Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, PsychCentral, The Child Mind Institute and The Mighty.
Follow Natasha on Social Media
YouTube
AT Parenting Survival School - Online courses
www.atparentingsurvivalschool.com
I love Natasha’s courses so much, I’m an affiliate. This means that I earn a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Does your child gravitate towards open-ended toys? These are toys which can be used in multiple ways dependent on your child’s imagination - like LEGO® bricks for example. This nurtures their creativity and developing skills. Today I will share five amazing open ended toys. I did cover this subject last year on my podcast but since it’s holiday time, I wanted to share a few more with you. These can be a good addition to your house, therapy room or counseling office. These are all toys that I gravitate towards and the ones I always want by my side during therapy sessions. Take a listen to learn how they can benefit the kids in your life!
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Anxiety is not a bad emotion, it is one that we need to keep ourselves safe in the world. But sometimes anxiety can become overwhelming to the point that it affects the daily life of the adult or child - this is the type of worry we need to work on. What better way to learn about this than with the fantastic parent coach and psychologist Dr. Dawn Huebner who teaches us how to help kids deal with worry and anxiety.
The topics covered in this episode;
Uppercase and lowercase worry - What’s the difference?
Why reassurance makes anxiety worse
Two common mistakes with anxiety - probability and scale
How do you know as a parent when to push your child forward into anxiety-provoking situations?
Why kids need to be out of their comfort zones
Thinking about your thinking
The difference between being anxious and being in danger
“What we resist, persists”
Why saying “There’s nothing to be worried about” can be so harmful
About The Guest - Dr Dawn Huebner
Dr. Dawn Huebner is a Psychologist, Parent Coach, and the author of 10 books for children including perennial bestsellers What to Do When You Worry Too Much and Outsmarting Worry. Another recent work, Something Bad Happened, provides support for children learning about problems around the world while her newest, The Sibling Survival Guide, speaks with warmth and humor to children struggling to get along.
Dr. Huebner’s books are practical and relatable, selling well over a million copies in 23 languages. She has been featured on a host of news and information outlets and is frequently interviewed by popular parenting magazines.
Dawn’s Website - www.DawnHuebnerPhD.com
Dawn’s Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Dawn-Huebner-PhD-Self-Help-for-Parents-and-Kids-339298769474607/?ref=br_rs
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Have you ever thought back to how you were taught to recognize different emotions? It’s such an important social skill to not only recognize the feelings within yourself but for the people around you too. This episode is about just that - helping your children to recognize and check-in with their feelings.
I’ve learned a lot about this topic from the help of Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson with the ‘Name it to Tame it’ method. It helps kids to self-regulate by naming their emotions. I get asked a lot, “Well how can I actually go about helping my child name their emotions? How can we make this our daily routine?” So I’m answering all your questions in this podcast episode!
Getting children into the rhythm of understanding all emotions and feelings are allowed and accepted. And teaching them it’s what you do with those feelings that matters.
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
How are your child's social skills right now?
As our children have transitioned back into school from remote learning, they're interacting in person again, and I'm seeing and hearing about rusty social skills.
They’ve been home for a long time and haven’t had many chances of interacting with a lot of people - likewise for us adults!
In regards to school, children are facing added difficulties such as having to wear masks and some kids are struggling so in this episode I want to discuss some tips on how we can help our children brush up on their social skills and hopefully have some positive social experiences.
Questions I will be discussing:
How many kids should be at the playdate?
How long should the playdate be?
What activities should they be doing?
If you need extra help, don’t forget I have a great resource for you - The Ultimate Playdate Guide!
Digital format - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/the-ultimate-playdate-guide-e-book
In print - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/the-ultimate-playdate-guide-print
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
In this episode I speak to my guest, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Jon Cunha about mental health in the sporting world. Due to the Olympics, we’ve seen several high profile athletes such as Simone Biles, Kevin Love and Michael Phelps speak out about their mental health issues and how they’re dealing with them. We also discussed how this is impacting the children of today, how they’re looking up to their sporting heroes speaking out about their mental health and opening up the conversation. Jon speaks about how he works with men differently to get them comfortable with therapy.
Make sure to listen and subscribe to Jon’s Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grim-drive/id1546511204
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Guest
Jon Cunha is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over a decade of experience in the field. Jon is the Co-Founder of Riser + Tread, a company dedicated to supporting others through a combination of therapy and coaching. Jon is also working as the Chief Performance Coach (CPC) for Cherish Health, Jon’s main purpose is to enhance employee wellbeing and performance from both an individual and an organizational level. He is enthusiastic to support those working at the top of their field.
Jon also recently co-authored “The Coaching Zone; Next Level Leadership in Sports” to help support leaders and coaches in their field maximize performance both for themselves and their team(s). Jon also has a podcast named, The Grim Drive, which focuses on mental health through the lens of professional athletics.
Before becoming a therapist, Jon was a three time All-American in Track and Field at Wheaton College, MA until injury ended his aspirations of reaching the Olympics. That experience helped motivate him towards supporting others going through something similar.
Jon’s Website - https://www.riserandtread.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/riserandtread
Instagram - @riserandtread
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
As we all know, the pandemic has been incredibly draining on all of us therefore many of us have experienced major burn-out. This episode is all about recharging, refilling our cups and doing activities for ourselves so we can continue to raise our kids and be helpers to others who are also going through this. As they say on planes, you need to put on your own oxygen mask before your child’s i.e we need to make sure we’re looking after ourselves before we can help others.
How do you recharge? For some it’s reading a book, for others it’s playing some really loud music to sing and dance around the kitchen to. Be sure to leave a review telling me how you recharge.
In this episode I discuss 3 tips you can use to refill your cup:
‘No is a full sentence’, which includes my new mantra - “You can do anything but not everything”.
Put yourself on your to-do list
Find your own coping skills - and how modelling for kids can be so educational.
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
In this episode I talk to leadership and play coach Karen Lock Kolp about some of my favorite topics; relaxation and play and how they’re heavily intertwined.
We cover...
Karen’s background
Exercises to help you find your energy
Role-modelling as parents
How children can not only follow what you model, they can be good teachers too
The power of intuition - how it lives in the body, not the brain
An exercise on listening to your heart
Karen’s playbook
How Karen rests and plays
About The Guest - Karen Lock Kolp
Karen is an executive, leadership and play coach. Her podcast is called ‘We Turned Out Okay’ and her forthcoming book is called ‘The WTOO Playbook of days’. Her mission in life is to restore play to its extremely important place in the pantheon of human ingenuity. She believes in magic and she believes in the power of play to solve any problem, even the really big ones!
Her website - https://weturnedoutokay.com
Her weekly newsletter - https://weturnedoutokay.com/weekly/
Her podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-we-turned-out-okay-podcast/id990826225
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
This week’s episode is all about using a reset space to support social and emotional development in the classroom. We’re approaching a new school year in this shifting, changing landscape of dealing with the pandemic and I've been thinking about the best way to support our kids through that. Now there are many variations on the name ‘reset space’ such as…
Peace corner
Calm spot
Calming corner
Relaxation station
I gravitate more to the name ‘reset space’ as I like the idea that kids go into this area to reset then come back to the class. It’s not a punishment, it’s more about when kids are feeling different emotions, they go to the space to identify how they’re feeling. After all, children are just the same as adults in the sense that when they are overwhelmed by emotion, whether that be anxiety, anger or sadness, their brains are not ready to receive new information, which is the opposite state we want them to be in the classroom.
Learn more about Our Reset Space for your classroom or counseling office - https://copingskillsforkids.com/reset
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Connect with Janine on Social Media
Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay
In this episode I talk to pediatric occupational therapist and CEO of Zensational Kids, Allison Morgan. We discuss the big challenges kids and schools will be facing when they return, what can families do at home to help navigate the next phase of the pandemic as well as her new curriculum for educators.
About The Guest - Allison Morgan
Allison Morgan MA, OTR, E-RYT is a pediatric occupational therapist and the CEO of ‘Zensational Kids’, an educational company bringing the evidence-based practices of breath, movement and mindfulness to schools nationwide. Teaching the inner resources of focused attention, self-compassion and stress reduction, Allison supports school communities in harnessing well-being and resilience so that all members can thrive. Allison integrates the science and practices of mindfulness, social-emotional learning, mental health prevention and trauma-informed care into her dynamic and engaging programs, workshops, keynotes and national trainings. She is passionate about breaking the rising incidence of mental health challenges and trauma our youth are facing. Allison is a sought after international speaker who brings knowledge, wit and joy, inspiring her audience to tap into their own inner resilience so they may share it with their community. Her curriculum, ‘Educate 2B’ was recently launched on Amazon and hit #1 Best Seller.
Her website - https://zensationalkids.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Zensationalkids/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-morgan
‘Educate 2B’: Mindfulness and social-emotional learning for educators and students in the k-5th grade classroom - available le on the sensational kids website for 25% off when you use the code ’Special25’ or on Amazon for regular pricing of $39.99.
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
We all know the 5 senses of the human body, being sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing but have you heard of proprioception or vestibular?
Proprioception at its basic level is the information you receive from your muscles and your joints. It helps your body to understand when you are stretching, compressing or contracting a muscle. You may see difficulties with this in your child particularly in their handwriting, do they press so hard on the pencil that it breaks? Or perhaps they aren’t putting enough pressure on the pen that you can’t even see their handwriting? Proprioception works very closely with the vestibular system which is more about your brain intaking information for your balance and spatial awareness.
In this episode I run you through 7 sensory based strategies to help your child relax and manage their feelings which includes;
Touch
Smell
Auditory
Visually
Taste
Movement
Balance
If you have a child with a sensory processing disorder, please make sure you check in with your occupational therapist (if you have one) especially if in a school environment, they will know what is calming or overstimulating for your child. If you don’t have access to an occupational therapist, please make sure to check in with a child before and after an exercise / strategy. Use your senses and brilliance to see how they’re reacting to analyze if the exercises are beneficial or not.
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske - https://www.sensorysmarts.com
The Inspired Treehouse - playful sensory based ideas - https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/
Sensory Resources from Coping Skills for Kids
https://store.copingskillsforkids.com
Sensory Coping Cue Cards
Sensational Sensory Activity Book - Digital & Print
Sensory Coloring Sheets
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
Hello! Guess what? I’m back! If you’re an avid listener, you’ll know I took a break from the podcast to focus on supporting on my own children while they were remote learning during the pandemic.
One thing I really missed doing last year was meeting face-to-face with my clients. I got myself vaccinated as soon as possible and in our first sessions back, we worked on processing which involves a simple exercise of 4 questions…
Not only can you work on this with your kids, but you can think about these questions for yourself. I have certainly done so, and it has inspired me to create new resources for Coping Skills for Kids. I have a new course for professionals working with teens who have anxiety (link below). I have also created a ‘Reset Space’ which helps kids manage their emotions while at school as well as a sensory activity book which will both be available soon.
My course for professionals working with teens who have anxiety - https://courses.copingskillsforkids.com/p/coping-skills-for-teens-with-anxiety
As mentioned in the episode, you can listen to my episode on ‘Silver Linings’ here - https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-64
And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!
About The Host - Janine Halloran
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens.
‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.
Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com
Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com
Interested in reading my books?
The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version
Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook
In today’s episode, I wanted to try a coping skill together! It’s been such a stressful year, and I thought it would make sense to practice a coping skill together to help us relax. In this podcast, I share what got me interested in body scans in the first place and how they are related to progressive muscle relaxation. Then we’ll go through the body scan I wrote for the Coping Skills for Teens Workbook. Take a listen!
Resources:
Calm & Connected Episode 10 - Progressive Muscle Relaxation 101
YouTube Body Scan Video
Coping Skills for Teens
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It’s that time of year where people are looking for gifts for the kids in their lives. I wanted to share five fantastic holiday presents that build social-emotional skills in children. Take a listen to hear my top 5 ideas for games, activities, and toys that help kids with social and emotional learning.
Resources:
Calm & Connected Episode 51 - Open Ended Toys
Big Life Journal
See some amazon suggestions at janinehalloran.com/podcast
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In the past, I've spoken about lots of different ways to encourage kids to take deep breaths by using shapes and other prompts. In this podcast episode, I focus on ways to help teens take deep breaths. Take a listen to hear some strategies I use with my adolescent clients and some resources you can explore to find more ways to encourage teens to take deep breaths.
Resources:
Calm App
Relax Melodies App
Headspace App
Insight Timer App
Inner Health Studio
Mindfulness Exercises
Positive Psychology
Calm & Connected Episode 14 - Deep Breathing with Shapes
Deep Breathing Strategies on Coping Skills for Kids
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I get asked all the time - how do I start to help kids explore coping skills? I use the Coping Skills Checklist to help kids identify their current skills and new skills to try. Take a listen to this podcast for how I use the checklist, and modifications I make when using it in different settings.
Resources:
5 Coping Styles
Explanation on Coping Skills for Kids
Podcast Episode on the 5 Coping Styles
Coping Skills Checklist
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Ted Quinn is the CEO and Co-founder of Activate Care, a digital health company helping everybody engaged in the healthcare system - clinicians, patients, families, and communities - act together to make health happen, wherever they are. Ted has decades of experience leading healthcare IT and technology companies. Prior to Activate Care, Ted served as COO of Vecna Medical, driving revenue growth and new market penetration. Before Vecna, Ted served as President & General Manager of a Taylor Corporation Company, as a Business Manager and Product Manager for the FLEX platform at Teradyne Corporation, and as a management consultant at Accenture. Ted holds a BS in Economics from Brigham Young University, an MBA from the Harvard Business School, and an unflinching loyalty to the Boston Red Sox.
In this podcast episode, Ted and I talk about the pandemic and the impact it has had on mental health and education and how important it is for people to work together to support those who need help and ways we can make that easier.
Just so you are aware, we discuss suicide in the first part of our interview, so I just wanted to let you know that just in case this was an area of sensitivity for you.
I had such a great time speaking with Ted, and I hope you enjoy the podcast too
Resources:
Activate Care
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Self-care can feel like just another thing to add to your to-do list. I KNOW life is hard right now. My kids are fully remote, and sometimes it's a struggle to make it through the next class or piece of homework. I have to thank my colleagues because I keep getting emails and seeing posts about self-care. It's a reminder to me to talk about it and do it. I find that I need to take time for myself. Otherwise, I find myself being more crabby or cranky, and it's hard to accomplish anything. And I need to practice what I preach.
In this podcast episode, I talk about how I'm taking care of myself and hope to inspire you to figure out some tiny moments of self-care. Take a listen!
Resources:
CXMH Podcast with Janine Halloran
Holly Oxhandler - Self-Care for Helpers
Mosaic Weighted Blankets
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This time is so stressful and full of anxiety! This is the perfect time to start to explore the practice of mindfulness with kids.
Mindfulness is being aware of what’s happening in the present moment. It’s not about trying to clear your mind, but allowing thoughts and emotions to come and go without judgment and familiarizing ourselves with the present moment. It takes practice to be able to do this.
Mindfulness helps kids focus on the present instead of focusing on the past or future. As they grow into adults, they need to learn to manage stress in healthy ways and make sure they have a healthy balance in their lives.
Mindfulness can also be a helpful tool for kids who have challenges with self-regulation or difficulty managing emotions, or want to improve their concentration. it would be helpful for them to be able to calm down and be aware of the present. When they are aware of the present, it will help them be more able to see what’s happening around them and settle themselves and their minds.
In this podcast episode, I talk about four different ways to introduce mindfulness to kids. Take a listen!
Resources:
Andy Puddicombe TED Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzR62JJCMBQ&t=19s
How to Make a Calming Jar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKWB_D2p3Qc&t=13s
Mindful Minutes App: http://www.oopsyay.com/mindful-minutes/
https://appadvice.com/app/mindful-minutes-relaxing-meditations-for-kids/1116489051
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When I think back to my time as a school counselor, my best memories are laughter and connection during lunch groups. Lunch groups are a great way to get to know a lot of students throughout the year. It’s also an excellent way for children to meet new peers and potentially make new friends. What I thought was the best part was the natural opportunity to practice conversations. The way I would encourage conversations is by using a question box. Please take a listen to hear what social skills we practiced in lunch groups using this simple technique.
BONUS - these questions can be used during remote learning and at home too!
RESOURCES
40 Conversation Starter Questions
Lunch Group Questions
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As you may know, at Coping Skills for Kids, I divide coping skills into 5 types:
Relaxation
Movement
Sensory
Processing
Distraction
In this episode of the podcast, I’m focused on distraction coping skills, which include things like playing and fun activities. Distraction coping skills aren’t meant to help kids avoid or suppress their feelings. Take a listen to the podcast to hear the three benefits of using distraction as a coping skill, and for some resources that you can get from Coping Skills for Kids.
Calm & Connected Podcast - The Five Coping Styles
Calm and Connected Podcast - How Play and Coping Skills are Connected
Would You Rather Questions
Coping Cue Cards Distraction Deck
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In this podcast episode, I don’t discuss how to send kids back to school safely. Instead, I discuss coping strategies that families can use, whether kids are back at school full time, remote learning, homeschooling, or learning in a pod. Take a listen for some ideas of things you can do to help yourself and your family as you navigate these uncharted waters.
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Last year, I did a whole series of perspective taking on the Calm & Connected Podcast, but I wanted to revisit the topic and discuss two other ways I like to explore perspective-taking with kids. Why do I keep talking about this topic? It’s a building block for empathy, a skill we all want to build in our kids. For two more ways to work on perspective-taking using art and poetry, listen to the podcast
Resources
The Blind Men and the Elephant
https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/the-blind-men-and-the-elephant
Another version of the story found at Peace Corps
https://www.peacecorps.gov/educators/resources/story-blind-men-and-elephant/
Calm & Connected Podcast
Perspective Taking Part 1
Perspective Taking Part 2
Perspective Taking Part 3
Perspective Taking Part 4
Perspective Taking Part 5
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In this podcast episode, I share this simple yet powerful visual activity to help kids see how kind acts can spread and make a positive impact. I also share some wisdom from Dr. Alan Chu from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay about the ripple effect of sending gratitude letters, and small acts of kindness. Take a listen!
Dr. Alan Chu
Random Acts of Kindness
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A social distancing summer looks super different, right? Back in January, I had major plans to go to museums and take day trips with my kids. Most of that has gone out of the window.
What are we doing instead? Instead, we're choosing to explore outdoor spots that are new to us and close by. Last week, we went on a hike to a place we'd never been before, and they were limiting how many people were going in, so that felt safe in terms of our ability to keep the appropriate social distance.
I wanted to hear ideas from others with unique ways to keep kids busy this summer, and I got a ton of responses. Visit the podcast page for this episode to see all of the fantastic ideas.
https://janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-69
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We create more kindness by being kind.
-Katie Hurley
In this podcast, I talk about how I got inspired to record this after reading a post on Katie Hurley’s Facebook wall. I also talk about how kindness is related to friendship and social skills, and I give a few ideas to help get you started in doing some kind acts, wherever you are. Take a listen!
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There are a lot of big emotions happening right now, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share a coping skill that I wrote about in the Coping Skills for Teens Workbook - Channeling Big Emotions into Positive Energy. Take a listen to the podcast as I read this section of the book. My hope is that you are inspired to use your energy in a positive way.
Coping Skills for Teens Workbook: teencopingskills.com
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Books are a great way to start conversations about feelings with kids. Here are six of my favorites:
How Are You Peeling? By Saxton Freymann
You’re a Crab: A Moody Day Book by Jenny Whitehead
My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss
Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis
Glad Monster Sad Monster by Ed Emberley
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
To hear more about these books, take a listen!
Resources
Coping Skills for Kids Activity Books:
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Whenever I sit down and talk with someone about their coping skills, one of the first things I ask is if they have tried writing about it, in particular, my middle school and high school clients. I do this for several reasons:
It’s easier to write about than talk about hard things.
Journaling helps you process what’s happening.
It’s convenient.
It’s not graded
It can help you solve a problem
It can help you re-frame your thinking
To hear more about what I mean, take a listen!
Resources
Quick kid friendly video about why journaling is awesome: https://youtu.be/9DuraYFfIas
This is one of the coping skills in the coping skills for teens workbook. Check that out over at copingskillsforkids.com/teens
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This COVID-19 world is a strange place to be. I got en email recently where someone was talking about this being the best of times and the worst of times, and it rang true for me. This time is both challenging and good.
It’s challenging because:
Scary things are happening right now. How long will this last? How are my loved ones with COVID-19 doing? I’m worried about my loved ones and essential workers in my life, who have to go out frequently. I’m concerned about the doctors and nurses who are on the front lines.
It’s good because:
It reminds me to pay attention and be grateful for the small things. I’m thankful for things like chats with my kids, more family time, and having kind neighbors. I’m also grateful for video games and light traffic when I’m dropping off food for my mom.
Here are a few other thoughts I share in the podcast
-Although every day may not be good, there is good in every day.
-Recognize that we are living life at a higher stress level than we did three months ago.
-Name your feelings to help manage them. And help your kids/students name their feelings too.
-Some days will be awesome. Some days will be terrible, no good, very bad days. Some days will be both.
-Give yourself grace. Give your family and friends grace. Give strangers grace.
Resources
YouTube Channel
Downloadable Resources
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Staying in touch and talking with others can increase our joy and lessen our sorrow. This time in our lives is challenging, and continuing to give and get support from friends and family is a way to cope with all the stress we feel. In this podcast episode, I discuss some ideas for keeping in touch with one another even when we’re physically apart. There are lots of ways to stay connected even when we can’t share the same space. Take a listen!
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
YouTube Channel
Downloadable Resources
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Over the last few weeks, I’ve been getting requests for play ideas and coping skills kids can use, so I’ve been thinking about ways that I can get more information and resources available.
I’m going to be making short videos on YouTube with simple play ideas and simple coping skills kids can use. They are kid-appropriate, so they can watch and then try the play idea or do the coping skill.
What this means for the Calm & Connected Podcast: Like you, I’m adjusting to my new routine and figuring out what I can and can’t do. Because I want to focus on giving more resources over on YouTube, I’ve decided to make the podcast available as audio-only, and I will probably be posting less frequently (every other week instead of every week).
Also, during this podcast episode, I share the phrase that I’ve been trying to live by over the last few weeks.
“Be the thermostat, not the thermometer.”
We, as adults, need to set the tone of our homes. I’m being very deliberate about doing that in my home. It’s not perfect, but I’m consciously trying to set a good healthy example for my family, and I encourage you to do the same. Take a break from the news. Give yourself grace. Find something that brings you joy and do it.
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
YouTube Channel
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This is such a hectic and strange time. I had plans to talk about something completely different during this podcast episode, but things have significantly ramped up in terms of school closures, working from home, and other disruptions due to the spread of COVID-19. So, I put other things on hold, and I started writing in an effort to help families. I wanted to offer some suggestions for kids and adults to help deal with the stress and anxiety that is happening right now. Take a listen to hear about some coping skills I recommend we all use now, plus see the resources below to get more support.
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Awesome Play Ideas for Families at Home - Encourage Play
Coping with Coronavirus - Coping Skills for Kids
Family Activities E-book
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"Literally, it worked!"
Recently, one of my teen clients said about the coping skill I cover in this podcast. I'm always thrilled when a coping skill works for a client of mine. She struggles with anxiety, and we've talked about a ton of different coping skills, but this was the first time she ever used that phrasing. To hear more about what this coping skill is, take a listen.
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Negative self-talk episode of the Calm & Connected Podcast #32
Coping Skills for Teens
Pre-Order Now!
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On today’s podcast, I quickly re-visit one of my favorite ways to help kids see the impact their words can have on others. Then I talk about two more ways to help kids & teens understand the impact their words can have on other people. It's a great way to encourage them to think before they speak (or post). Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll hear:
A silly visual activity which involves toothpaste and a paper plate
For the Harry Potter fans, a conversation starter about the impact of words based on Snape and Lily Potter’s friendship
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Chrysanthemum and the Wrinkled Heart Activity
Social Skills for Kids by Janine Halloran
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Can I tell you something? I LOVE working with teens. The conversations I have with adolescents can be full of sarcasm, but at the heart of every one of those talks is that they want to be heard. What’s interesting is that a lot of the same strategies I use for younger kids work for teens too (and even adults).
Even though the strategies are similar, there are a few critical points to keep in mind when working with teens. Take a listen if you are living with or working with teens!
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Progressive Muscle Relaxation YouTube Video
Coping Skills for Teens - Sign up here!
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Whenever I’m speaking to families or professionals working with kids about their coping skills, I always get the question, “They aren’t using their coping skills! What do I do?”
In this podcast, I share a few tips and mindset strategies to use when working with kids who are having a hard time managing their feelings. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that it will not go smoothly the first time or 100% of the time. Please take a listen to hear some other helpful tips to help kids more consistently use their coping skills.
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Coping Skills Checklist
Digital Cue Cards
Coping Cue Cards
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Sometimes kids need a little practice on working together as a group. In this episode of the podcast, I discuss three different activities you can do to create some teachable moments around working together in groups. Take a listen and get playing!
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Social Skills for Kids by Janine Halloran
Other podcast episodes you may enjoy…
Why I Love Playdates
Episode 15 of the Calm and Connected Podcast
8 Tips for a Successful Playdates
Episode 17 of the Calm and Connected Podcast
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Calm down kits are a fantastic way to help kids keep their coping skills accessible for times when they need to calm down. Sometimes it can be referred to as a coping skills toolkit. Whatever name you use, what it means is that there is an actual physical container that houses items kids can use to help calm down and express their emotions in healthy ways.
There are lots of places you can go to get items for a calm down kit. One of my favorites is Five Below. This store has only been in my area for a few years, and while their items change regularly, I can always find some awesome things to go into a calm down spot for home or school. On a recent trip, I took pictures of what I would put in a coping skills toolkit. Listen to what I found!
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
How to Create a Coping Skills Toolkit
Episode 23 of the Calm and Connected Podcast
How to Make a Calm Down Kit at Target
Episode 41 of the Calm and Connected Podcast
How to Make a Calm Down Kit at Michael’s
Episode 41 of the Calm and Connected Podcast
How to Make a Calm Down Kit at Oriental Trading
Episode 49 of the Calm and Connected Podcast
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In this episode of the podcast, I discuss how to create teachable moments to practice social skills for kids. I love using group settings with kids to work on social skills because it can be a microcosm of the playground, recess, or other social situations. In the podcast, you’ll hear how I like to structure groups to be effective, and that I love messy groups!
Also, I talk about opportunities that happen at home where you can use those teachable moments to help reinforce social skills with family interactions and playdates.
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Social Skills for Kids by Janine Halloran
Ultimate Playdate Guide by Janine Halloran
Other podcast episodes you may enjoy…
Why I Love Playdates
Episode 15 of the Calm and Connected Podcast
8 Tips for a Successful Playdates
Episode 17 of the Calm and Connected Podcast
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Last week, the podcast focused on the fact that it's okay to be angry. I discussed the feelings rules and understanding the anger iceberg. This week, as promised, I've shared 5 of my favorite coping skills, plus two bonus strategies to keep in mind as you're working or parenting angry kids.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
An Awesome Way to Take a Deep Breath - Calm & Connected Episode 2
It’s Okay to Be Angry - Calm & Connected Episode 52
Coping Skills for Kids Managing Anger Resource Page
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It’s OKAY to be angry.
It’s happened multiple times in my career when I’ve said that, kids will look at me like I have three heads. I explain that everyone gets angry - it’s a normal and expected human emotion. Its what you do with your anger that matters. Then I share the feelings rules with them:
Don’t hurt yourself
Don’t hurt other people or living creatures
Don’t destroy property
And then we talk about healthy coping skills to use to express anger.
It can feel intense to work with a child who is feeling angry. In this podcast episode, I discuss some tips that will hopefully make it easier for you to work with kids in those mad moments.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
Angst Movie
Coping Skills for Kids Managing Anger Resource Page
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Open-ended play is incredible - it cultivates imagination, thinking differently, and encourages creativity. To promote open-ended play, we should offer toys that can be played with in multiple ways.
One benefit of having versatile toys is that it cuts down on having so many! I know what it feels like when it seems like the toy department of your local Target is all in your living room.
Plus, having fewer toys is helpful for child development. A recent study from the University of Toledo in Ohio found that the fewer toys a child has, the more creative and imaginative they become with the toys they have. Listen to this podcast to hear about five awesome open-ended toys that I love.
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Why Fewer Toys are Better
Open Ended Play, Loose Parts and Playdates
Episode 28 of the Calm and Connected Podcast
Creativity & Imaginative Play
Episode 29 of the Calm and Connected Podcast
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When a kid is feeling sad or upset, a good coping skill to try is thinking of things that make them happy. Finding and focusing on the good things in life can have a positive impact on mental health, plus paying attention to those positive experiences is the beginning of gratitude practice for kids. But it can be hard to remember the good stuff in those tough moments. In today’s podcast, I share three ideas to help kids focus on the positives. Take a listen!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
Articles about Gratitude
Why Gratitude is Good
Psychology Today article about Gratitude
The Perks of Sharing Positive Experiences
Coping Skills for Kids Activity Books: My Happiness Journal
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A coping skills toolbox is an actual physical container that houses items kids can use to help calm down and express their emotions in healthy ways. There are a ton of strategies your child can use to calm down, and having a toolbox is one way to keep several of these tools readily available to use.
Where can you get these items to help create a coping skills toolbox or a calm down kit? A lovely listener requested that I do a podcast episode on Oriental Trading, so I took a peek around the website for awesome items to go in a calm down kit. Listen to what I found!
Jacob’s Ladder Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/KiIpUUsIsVE
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Several years ago, I wrote an article on this topic because the mother of a client of mine had significant concerns about getting through the holiday season, in particular, all the parties. I also understood this from my own experience as a parent, so I gave her some ideas. Since it's that time of year, I wanted to share these ideas with you to help. Take a listen!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
How To Create a Coping Skills Toolkit - Episode 23
Calm Down Kit at Michael’s - Episode 44
Calm Down Kit at Target - Episode 41
Coping Cue Cards
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We all know how important it is to help kids explore their feelings - it's a vital step in helping them understand and manage their emotions. But what do we do with those little ones who don't want to talk about it? Truthfully, it can be hard for kids to talk about their feelings. Here are four ideas to help you explore a child's emotions - without talking!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
Coping Skills for Kids Activity Books: Processing Feelings
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Puzzles are one way my family and I love to play. I also use them at times in individual and group therapy. Puzzles are fun, but they also work on skills like organization, patience, perseverance and working together. Take a listen to how doing puzzles can help you playfully practice executive functioning skills and social skills.
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Taking deep breaths can be tricky to teach! That’s why I love using props to help kids focus on deep belly breaths. In this podcast, I discus three of my favorite items to use to help kids learn how to take a deep breath. Take a listen here!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
Deep Breathing Exercises for Kids
Hoberman Sphere Video
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A coping skills toolbox is an actual physical container that houses items kids can use to help calm down and express their emotions in healthy ways. There are a ton of strategies your child can use to calm down, and having a toolbox is one way to keep several of these tools readily available to use.
Where can you get these items to help create a coping skills toolbox or a calm down kit? I spend a lot of time at Michael’s because I love arts & crafts. But they also have lots of items that would work well in a calm down kit. On a recent trip, I took pictures of what I would put in a coping skills toolkit in the store. Listen to what I found!
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Recently I watched the documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor all about Mr. Rogers. I enjoy documentaries and like to watch them at night as part of my evening routines. I started to watch this one evening, and within the first few minutes, they had already talked about emotional regulation and social skills. I decided to stop and watch it during the day when I could write things down. When I watched the documentary, I took a ton of notes, and I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes and insights I gained from watching.
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The focus of this podcast episode is about establishing morning and evening routines, but not for our kids. We as adults can benefit from having a morning and evening routine too!
The idea for this podcast came to me while I was reading a magazine article about Joanna Gaines, and a morning routine she uses regularly.
I give several suggestions for other ideas for you can add into your morning & evening routines as a way to start and end your day well. Plus, I also talk about how it’s okay for routines to change, especially depending on the needs of our family and our work. It’s normal that we sometimes get away from our routines. Everyone does, even Oprah! Take a listen to hear some ideas that may work for you.
Mindfulness/Meditation Apps
Insight Timer
Calm
Relax Melodies
Stop, Breathe and Think
Article about gratitude from Oprah
Read it here
If you like this podcast, please share it with others, rate and review us where you listen to the podcast, and subscribe. If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
A coping skills toolbox is an actual physical container that houses items kids can use to help calm down and express their emotions in healthy ways. There are a ton of strategies your child can use to calm down, and having a toolbox is one way to keep several of these tools readily available to use.
Where can you get these items to help create a coping skills toolbox or a calm down kit? One of my favorite places to go is Target. Recently, I went on a Target run and took pictures of what I would put in a coping skills toolkit. Listen to what I found!
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What is perspective taking? It’s the ability to take another person’s point of view. This is a building block towards empathy. There are lots of different teachable moments that can happen in day to day life where you can talk about different perspectives people have on the same situation. There are also several games and activities you can play with children and teens to help them practice the art of walking in someone else’s shoes.
Over the next several podcasts, I’m going to be highlighting different games and activities that do this.
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What is perspective taking? It’s the ability to take another person’s point of view. This is a building block towards empathy. There are lots of different teachable moments that can happen in day to day life where you can talk about different perspectives people have on the same situation. There are also several games and activities you can play with children and teens to help them practice the art of walking in someone else’s shoes.
Over the next several podcasts, I’m going to be highlighting different games and activities that do this.
If you like this podcast, please subscribe and you’ll get notified when new episodes launch.
Want to help others find us? Share this podcast with others, and rate and review us where you listen to the podcast.
If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
What is perspective taking? It’s the ability to take another person’s point of view. This is a building block towards empathy. There are lots of different teachable moments that can happen in day to day life where you can talk about different perspectives people have on the same situation. There are also several games and activities you can play with children and teens to help them practice the art of walking in someone else’s shoes.
Over the next several podcasts, I’m going to be highlighting different games and activities that do this.
If you like this podcast, please subscribe and you’ll get notified when new episodes launch.
Want to help others find us? Share this podcast with others, and rate and review us where you listen to the podcast.
If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
What is perspective taking? It’s the ability to take another person’s point of view. This is a building block towards empathy. There are lots of different teachable moments that can happen in day to day life where you can talk about different perspectives people have on the same situation. There are also several games and activities you can play with children and teens to help them practice the art of walking in someone else’s shoes.
Over the next several podcasts, I’m going to be highlighting different games and activities that do this.
If you like this podcast, please subscribe and you’ll get notified when new episodes launch.
Want to help others find us? Share this podcast with others, and rate and review us where you listen to the podcast.
If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
What is perspective taking? It’s the ability to take another person’s point of view. This is a building block towards empathy. There are lots of different teachable moments that can happen in day to day life where you can talk about different perspectives people have on the same situation. There are also several games and activities you can play with children and teens to help them practice the art of walking in someone else’s shoes.
Over the next several podcasts, I’m going to be highlighting different games and activities that do this.
If you like this podcast, please subscribe and you’ll get notified when new episodes launch.
Want to help others find us? Share this podcast with others, and rate and review us where you listen to the podcast.
If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
Chances are, if you're listening to this podcast, you know a worried child. Maybe it’s a kid in your class, in your home, or your therapy office. Here are the top books I use with kids who worry:
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook
David and the Worry Beast by Anne Marie Guanci
When My Worries Get Too Big by Kari Dunn Buron.
What To Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D.
And of course, there is always the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, to help those kids who need a little support figuring out their coping strategies. Learn more about the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook here.
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On this episode of the podcast, I share a bit about my experiences growing up playing video games with my siblings, continuing to play as an adult, and now as a parent. Digital play is a part of our day to day lives - it has been acknowledged as a type of play. There are social skills you get a chance to practice when you play certain games, including working together, practicing conversations, and even executive functioning skills.
I discuss my thoughts on video games, as well as the importance of finding balance. You can play on a screen, but then you can also do other things together too as a family. To hear my thoughts, take a listen!
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Coloring is one of my favorite distraction skills. Research studies are happening now investigating the impact of coloring on anxiety, depression, or stress levels in different age groups. While the studies are small, it seems like they are finding that coloring does make a difference. To hear more about why coloring is awesome, take a listen!
Resources mentioned in the podcast
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This podcast episode is all about turning negative self-talk into positive self-talk. I discuss two of my go-to strategies when working with clients to help manage the negative things they say to themselves. When we let those negative thoughts fester, it can impact how we see ourselves and interact with the world. We want to focus on resilience and the positive aspects of who we are, so it makes sense to focus on positive self-talk. Take a listen to the podcast to hear a couple of ideas.
This coping skill is part of the #1 Bestselling Coping Skills for Kids Workbook. Learn more here.
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Playing board games is a fantastic way to work on social skills for kids. As a therapist, I play a lot of games both in individual and group therapy. As a mom, I also enjoy playing games with my kids. During this podcast episode, I talk about four games I love:
Hedbanz
Q’s Race to the Top
PeaceMakers
Story Cubes®
I share a bit about what social skills these games work on, too. Take a listen!
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On today’s episode, I talk about one of my favorite ways to pull together thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and coping strategies with a child - the feelings thermometer. I give a quick overview of how to use it, and explain the benefits of this useful resource.
I also have new free resources that accomplish the same thing the feelings thermometer does, but in a way that is more appealing for older kids & teens.
Take a listen!
Resources mentioned in the podcast
Feelings Thermometer
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I've been doing a lot of reading and watching about creativity and imagination recently. I watched Sir Ken Robinson's ted talk about creativity and schools. He identifies creativity as an essential skill for children. He said that "creativity is as important now in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status."
I've also been reading some of Tony Wagner's work recently. He's a well-known education advocate and expert, and he has identified seven 21st century skills, which are those skills kids should build to help prepare them for the future.
Creativity & Imaginative play….
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Build resilience through mistakes
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Encourage curiosity, exploration, and innovation
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Are great ways to practice communication, flexible thinking & problem solving
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Even help with executive functioning skills
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talk
Tony Wagner 21st Century Skills
Think Outside the (Cardboard) Box - Calm & Connected podcast episode - listen here
Open Ended Play - Calm & Connected podcast - listen here
Want more playdate ideas? You’re in luck, I’ve got The Ultimate Playdate Guide
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Play advocates often talk about the importance of open ended play, open ended play materials and having play be child led instead of adult led. There is a popular theory called Loose Parts was developed by Simon Nicholson in 1971. He wrote a paper entitled “How NOT to cheat children”. The “loose parts” he talks about are the materials that children can play with, and they can be used in a variety of ways to encourage creativity, experimentation and invention. This type of play is also perfect for practicing flexible thinking and for seeing someone else’s point of view. The same materials/prompts can lead to very different creations. For open-ended playdate ideas, take a listen!
If you want to hear my thoughts on why I love playdates, iisten to episode 15 of the Calm and Connected podcast here.
Need some tips for a successful playdate? Listen to episode 17 of the Calm and Connected podcast here.
Want more playdate ideas? You’re in luck, I’ve got the Ultimate Playdate Guide to help you!
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The focus of today’s podcast is all about Small Body Movement. I mention five more of my favorite movement coping skills. Plus I also get to talk about how much I love fidgets. Listen to hear more ideas:
Resources mentioned in the podcast
Resources from Janine Halloran
Calm & Connected podcast #25 - The Power of Movement as a Coping Skill
Calm & Connected podcast #26 - Five Big Body Movement Coping Skills
Coping Skills for Kids Blog - Awesome Fidgets for Kids
Mad Mattr
Tangle Fidgets
Marble in Mesh Fidgets
Available for Pre-Order Now:
Coping Cue Cards Movement Deck
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The focus of today’s podcast is all about Big Body Movement. I mention five of my favorite movement coping skills, including riding a scooter and roller skating. Listen to hear more ideas:
Resources mentioned in the podcast
Ogosport Hand Trampoline:
Soda Pop Head by Julia Cook
Available for Pre-Order Now:
Coping Cue Cards Movement Deck
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Movement is a powerful way for kids to play! Movement can calm kids, help them get rid of excess energy, or energize them. When children are starting to get antsy or irritable, often a change of scenery and a little movement usually helps.
Research that has been done on physical play shows that this kind of play can re-energize and reset a child’s nervous system. This means that they are more able to concentrate on challenging tasks after a movement break, like recess.
Listen to the podcast to hear about some resources that you can use to incorporate movement into the school day.
Resources mentioned in the podcast
Free to Learn by Peter Gray https://amzn.to/2ITrd5a
Bokskids bokskids.org
The Kinetic Classroom https://www.lynnekenney.com/the-kinetic-classroom/
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Where do you go when you want to calm down? What’s the spot that you go to? For me, it’s my bedroom. It’s painted a calm color, I have my aromatherapy set up in there, and my favorite ways to de-stress are nearby.
Kids and teens benefit from having a space where they can calm down and chill out too. A calm down spot can be created at home or at school. Lots of schools at all levels are integrating calm corners/calm down spaces/take a break spots, etc. How can you do this yourself? Take a listen:
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
FROM COPING SKILLS FOR KIDS:
How to Create a Calm Down Spot Blog Post
Make a Coping Skills Toolkit Blog Post
How to Make a Coping Skills Toolkit Podcast Episode #23
EDUTOPIA VIDEOS:
Elementary School Peace Corner
High School De-Escalation Space
COUNSELOR KERI
COUNSELOR KERI SELF-REGULATION CALM DOWN KIT
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A coping skills toolbox is an actual physical container that houses items kids can use to help calm down and express their emotions in healthy ways. There are a ton of strategies your child can use to calm down, and having a toolbox is one way to keep several of these tools readily available to use. I've created lots of coping skills toolkits over the years, for individual clients, for my office, for classrooms, and my kids. During this podcast episode I cover:
How many items should be in a coping skills toolkit
Where to get ideas for the items that should go in a box
What to do for coping skills that aren't physical items - like taking a deep breath?
How to make visuals reminders for coping skills
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
The Coping Skills Checklist: https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/products/coping-skills-checklist
Ideas for items to go in a calm down kit from And Next Comes L
COPING CUE CARDS FROM COPING SKILLS FOR KIDS -
I created the Coping Cue Cards to make those ready to use visuals. I have downloadable ones:
https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/cue-cards
and beautifully illustrated physical card decks full of different coping strategies:
https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-cue-cards
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Have you ever had the experience of hearing a song, and it brings you right back to a a vivid memory?
Music has the power to change people’s moods. It can take someone from feeling sad to feeling happy. It can energize you. It can move you to the point of tears.
How can children and teens use music as a way to cope?
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Listening to Music
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Playing Music
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Creating Music
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Moving to Music
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Take a quick walk - indoors or outdoors. just for a few minutes. Walk around the block, or if you can’t get out - walk in your home or at work. Walk to the bathroom, up the stairs, around the workplace, etc.
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Have a cup of tea/cocoa - make it a sensory break - smell it, feel the warm cup in your hands, etc.
To get the self-care questionnaire, visit janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-21
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As a school counselor, I was always looking for ways to improve the school climate. There was a lot of talk about bullying prevention, and figuring out what sorts of programs worked.
We wanted to focus on helping the bystanders, and encouraging kind thoughtful and respectful behaviors so we created a kindness wall.
I also used this activity at home to encourage kindness with my children.
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I love using this intervention with children to help them visually see the impact that words can have on others. This activity can be used at home or at school.
At school, this is a great beginning of the year activity, or a good reset activity if there are a lot of hurtful words being said on the playground or in classrooms.
At home to help siblings visually see the impact their words can have on others.
The activity is simple and just requires the book Chrysanthemum and paper hearts.
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Are you a digital planner kind of person, or more of a physical planner type?
Before I was always a digital planner kind of gal, but over the last few years, I’ve found myself switching back to a physical calendar.
There was something nostalgic for me about switching back to a physical calendar. A peek into me as a dorky high schooler - I loved getting my planner and putting things in it. Seriously, I was that kid. And now I still feel the same way.
But I also wanted a place where I could physically write down and reflect on my previous week, to take some time and think about progress I’ve made, positive memories I want to hold on to and things I was thankful for.
So, I found a planner that allows me to do that. Every Sunday, I sit down and before I start to plan out the next week, I reflect on the previous week. What memories did I make? What progress did I make? And most importantly, what am I thankful for?
There are researchers conducting studies on gratitude, and show that it can improve psychological health, reducing toxic emotions and enhancing empathy and people who grateful are more likely to take care of their health.
So, how can you start a gratitude practice for yourself?
Take a listen!
Using a Thankful Jar is just one of the coping skills in the Coping Cue Cards Discovery Deck. Get your own deck today at copingskillsforkids.com
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Playdates for kids who struggle socially, when done thoughtfully, offer an opportunity for kids to practice social skills and have a positive interaction with another child. We can set our kids up for success on playdates while they continue to hone their skills. Here are some ideas to help you set the stage for a successful playdate.
If you want to hear my thoughts on why I love playdates, iisten to episode 15 of the Calm and Connected podcast here.
Want more playdate ideas? You’re in luck, I’ve got the Ultimate Playdate Guide!
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Listening to what works for my clients is always enlightening. I’ve learned so much from what clients of all ages have shared what works for them.
I first learned about this coping skill from a young client. I was teaching a small group about coping skills, and I was asking them what coping skills they’ve learned or used.
One of the tween girls who was in the group shared something that her individual therapist taught her that really worked. And she then proceeded to show us how to do a grounding technique.
Start with a big belly breath
Notice 5 things you see
Notice 4 things you feel
Notice 3 things you hear
2 things you smell (or favorite smell)
and 1 thing you taste (or your favorite)
End with a big belly breath.
Once she was done, she looked at me and said - it feels so good to do that!
Everyone wanted to give it a try. And ever since then, it’s been a coping skill I’ve introduced to my clients.
This coping skill is perfect for when children/teens are experiencing overwhelming or extreme feelings like anxiety or stress.
54321 Grounding is just one of the coping skills in the #1 Bestselling Coping Skills for Kids Workbook. Grab your copy today at copingskillsforkids.com/workbook
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The play date has been getting some negative press recently, with people listing all the things they don’t like about them. There are pros and cons to everything, so I decided to explain why I appreciate play dates. I’ve found them to be helpful for a number of the children I‘ve worked with over the years, and I schedule play dates for my own children from time to time.
Feel free to visit encourageplay.com to read more about social skills and play.
The Ultimate Playdate Guide
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The importance of deep breathing - it’s sometimes thought about as hokey. But it’s an essential skill, and there are lots of fun ways to encourage deep breathing, and using shapes is awesome.
It gives some structure to breathing for kids, and easy to follow directions. It hopefully prevents that hyperventilation or holding their breath without breathing out that can happen if you just say “take a deep breath”
I like to use 4 basic shapes, a triangle, a star, a square and an eight on it’s side, which I call a lazy eight.
Episode 2 of the Calm and Connected Podcast - An Awesome Way to Take a Deep Breath
Here’s a link to an article on Coping Skills for Kids that contains a ton of ideas for teaching deep breathing to kids and teens!
For more deep breathing printables and posters, visit store.copingskillsforkids.com
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A cardboard box (shoe boxes, amazon boxes, small boxes, etc) is the perfect thing to use to help kids think flexibly, be creative, and set the groundwork for problem solving.
A book I love to read to spark a child’s creativity with cardboard boxes is called:
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis.
She also wrote another great book, Not a Stick.
Set out open ended creative materials, like markers, tape, glue, construction paper, etc and see what kids create!
Feel free to visit encourageplay.com to read more about social skills and play.
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As you may know, I run two websites - Encourage Play and Coping Skills for Kids. Although at first glance it doesn’t seem like these two are connected, they are - by PLAY!
Some of the things I talk about during this podcast:
Play is an integral part of childhood, and of being human. All of us need to play!
Play (doing something for pure enjoyment) is also a natural way for children and adults to relieve stress.
Two ideas for how parents can encourage play at home - careful scheduling and providing open ended toys like:
K’NEX ®
Blocks
LEGO ® blocks
Marble Runs
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Listening is a building block for other social skills, important at both school and home. Here are two easy to set up ways to practice listening.
Red Light, Green Light, Purple Light, Yellow Light
Freeze Dance
I also talk about the importance of teachable moments - things won’t go perfectly all the time, but that’s the moment where teaching can occur.
Feel free to visit encourageplay.com to read more about social skills and play.
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Progressive Muscle Relaxation is one of my favorite strategies to use with kids and teens in therapy. I have vivid memories of the first time I ever did a Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Psych 101 classes in college, and I felt so wonderful afterwards, I knew I would use this intervention with my clients.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a way of contracting and relaxing muscles in your body, with the goal of leaving your entire body relaxed. You start at the top of your body, and go through different muscle groups, tensing and relaxing them in turn.
There are tons of scripts out there that you can read out loud to your child or client to help them focus on different sections of their body. I wrote one for the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook and made a video to go along with it.
Other Progressive Muscle Relaxations I love:
Go Noodle
Go Zen
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This week, the focus is all about self-care, and how does that look in real life. I share my own struggles when it comes to self-care and taking a break, and how good it feels when I finally do take a moment for myself.
I discuss having a few different types of self-care, and variety is the key! Here are some of the ideas I mention:
Boxing
Gardening
Having a nice cup of tea
Bath
Massage/Nails/Spa/Hair
Getting back into things you loved as a child
To get the self-care questionnaire, visit janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-9
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One of the foundations of working with kids on their coping skills is that they are able to identify what they are feeling. In this episode, I talk about several different ways that kids can work on identifying their own feelings, and recognize feelings in others too!
You don’t have to wait until your children are school aged. Preschoolers can talk about feelings too. Start simple with three basic feelings: sad, happy, mad.
Here are the 6 ways I discuss how kids can work on identifying their feelings as part of this podcast episode.
Reading Books
Watching tv shows and pointing out the feelings of the characters
Talk about your own feelings
Make feelings part of the everyday conversation - ask about how they’re feelings, track feelings
Discuss how your body reacts when you feel a certain way
Make a Feelings book - a time I felt happy, a time I felt sad, etc…
Here are some blog posts with books all about feelings:
Helpful books for children and families
12 Books for Kids and Teens about Stress and Anxiety
9 Books to Help Kids Deal with Anger
Mood Tracking Apps that you can look into:
Mood Meter
Daylio
MoodKit
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Welcome back to the Calm and Connected Podcast! On today’s episode, I share four fun ways for families to connect, get to know one another, and de-stress together!
Question of the Day - use the 40 conversation starter questions printable, or make up your own!
Roses and Thorns check-in
“Would You Rather?” Questions - I’ve made a free printable for you, but it’s also fun to make up your own!
Plan A Family Adventure
40 conversation starter questions printable
“Would You Rather?” Questions
Feel free to visit encourageplay.com to read more about social skills and play.
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Welcome back to the Calm and Connected Podcast! Did you know that by simply playing a game, kids work on:
good sportsmanship - how to lose and win graciously
listening
paying attention
taking turns
figuring out the rules & following the rules
Listen about how that works, and hear about some of my favorite games to play with my own children, and my clients.
For more game ideas, check out mindware.com, and these blog posts:
Five Fantastic Games for Families
Fun Card Games for Families
Five Games for Playdates
Five More Games for PLaydates
Five Great Games for Families with Preschoolers/Early Elementary Kids
Feel free to visit encourageplay.com to read more about social skills and play.
If you like this podcast, please subscribe and you’ll get notified when new episodes launch.
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If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
On today’s episode, I talk about one of our most popular products, the Coping Cue Cards Discovery Deck. My sister and I went to the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, and this was great because we got to see people interacting with the Discovery Deck. People love the deck, but parents kept asking “how do I use this?” so I wanted to explain how to use it in more detail.
Learn more about the Coping Cue Cards Discovery Deck.
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Welcome back to the Calm and Connected Podcast! In this episode, I talk about the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping skills, how the Coping Skills Checklist was created, and a brief overview of the 5 different coping styles:
The Five Coping Styles I use in my work are:
Relaxation
Distraction
Sensory
Movement
Processing
Download the free Coping Skills Checklist!
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Welcome back to the Calm and Connected Podcast! On today’s episode, my focus is all about play. I talk about some of my favorite books and quotes about play. I also talk about Parten’s Social Stages of Play. Plus, I discuss how you can use teachable moments to work on practicing and building a child’s social skills.
Here’s a link to download the Social Stages of Play!
https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-stages-of-play-printable
Feel free to visit encourageplay.com to read more about social skills and play.
If you like this podcast, please subscribe and you’ll get notified when new episodes launch.
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If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
Welcome back to the Calm and Connected Podcast! In this episode, I talk about the importance of deep breathing and why it makes such a difference. Plus I share one of my favorite ways to take a deep breath!
There are so many ways to take a deep breath. Check out this resource for more!
https://copingskillsforkids.com/deep-breathing-exercises-for-kids/
At Coping Skills for Kids, I also have deep breathing printables, and posters. Visit store.copingskillsforkids.com to see more!
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Welcome to the Calm and Connected Podcast! I’m Janine Halloran, the host of the show. in this episode, you’ll learn a little bit about me, my two businesses Encourage Play and Coping Skills for Kids, and where the name of the show comes from.
Topics we will cover as time goes on:
some coping skills
ways to encourage play
ways for families to connect
identifying and managing feelings
self-care
just to name a few!
visit janinehalloran.com to learn more about me and what I create.
If you like this podcast, please subscribe and you’ll get notified when new episodes launch.
Want to help others find us? Share this podcast with others, and rate and review us where you listen to the podcast.
If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!