Connect4Kids Psychological Services

Wonderful article helping parents and guardians support their teen in developing independence, growth mindset, and intrinsic motivation.

“Can I Save My Teen from Failure?” Your teen is failing high school, and doesn’t seem to care. How can you encourage engagement and success without pushing your child in the opposite direction? Avoid a power-struggle and foster an inner drive to succeed by using these three Cs.

Schools are coming back into session and planning has begun to support our children back into the classroom. Here are some helpful tips for parents for a smooth transition. Have a wonderful 2021-2022 school year!

Back to School Dos and Don’ts Summer is actually a pretty disruptive time in a child’s life—so transitioning kids back to school takes skill, compassion, and a keen parental eye.

Planning for this school year has been a significant undertaking for parents, teachers, students, and their supporters. With so many unknowns and resulting emotions, the efforts seemed more daunting than ever. As a community, there have been many wonderful acts of kindness and care. We are grateful to be part of the fabric of support. We hope that there is an opportunity for rest and renewal over the next few months, celebrating the efforts and heart that went into making this last year, the best it could be.

As we are approaching the end of the school year, more than one of our friends appreciates fun movement breaks today!

We have officially moved in to our new office! Super Scooby, the Cheshire Cat, and the growing gnome village are settling in nicely. We are looking forward to our continued work in supporting the mental health and evaluation needs of our clients.

In the dawn of change, how do we support our children and each other with adapting to the “new normal”? This is a great way to think about the steps to support shifting our thinking and behavior by Dr. Stuart Ablon.

1. Prepare
2. Allow extra time
3. Break things down
4. Make new routines
5. Provide a sense of control

A purposeful process to support the decrease of anxious feelings and frustrations and improve a sense of security and control.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changeable/202103/worldwide-shift-in-cognitive-set-looms?fbclid=IwAR1k4aMEhNgi37LuZSVxp11wcAsBVvYD74ZAsJEycDOSHefhsuiVkYYWm5Y

A Worldwide Shift in Cognitive Set Looms Shifting gears is a skill, one that’s going to be in high demand shortly.

Tantrums happen and are means for learning boundaries and regulation. Understanding why they happen, helps parents and providers to support the child to adapt and cope.

Whether a tantrum or a meltdown, what is important is we respond with connection to tame the limbic system. The behavior may not be acceptable to you, but there is nothing wrong with your child feeling the way they do. Make space for their emotions; validate how they’re feeling THEN set the limit. “You’re so mad at me right now; but you may not have the cookie. I’m going to stay right here until those feelings go down” or "I can see you’re so sad; you don’t want to go to bed. But honey it is bedtime." Then say no more. Just hold space, allow for the eruption to happen — tears are the body‘s way of recalibrating the nervous system and getting your little one back to ground zero.

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Focusing on things that are more in our range of control.