Ms. Alva

Resources

Click the Tabs below to browse through resources!

Emotional Regulation/Calming Strategies

Children feel their emotions deeply, and may struggle with making appropriate choices when they have "big feelings." I always tell children that no feelings are wrong or right, bad or good, but that sometimes our behaviors can be what gets us into trouble.

Do you remember your first break-up? Or a time when you got in BIG trouble? Those moments might not seem like a big deal when we look back on them, but when you are experiencing them for the first time it feels like a really big deal. We might see the reactions of children and think they are making a big deal out of something silly or small, but we must remember that for children, this may be the first time they are experiencing something like this, and it is a big deal for them. They need our support rather than our judgement as they learn to navigate those major "firsts" in their lives.

As grown ups, we can teach children how to "regulate" or soothe their bodies and brains when their big feelings are causing them to struggle to make appropriate choices. We can hold space for their big feelings are remind them that feelings are like weather--a natural part of life that can be unpredictable at times, but we can learn to prepare for storms and always remember that it will pass in just a short amount of time.

ADHD Resources

As someone who didn't get officially diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, I have been especially interested in learning more about this challenging disability that I have in common with many of my students so that I can better support myself and my students.

I have found that I will always struggle with this disability, but that by learning more about it how it impacts me, I can learn to work around some things I know I struggle with to better management my time, emotions, and behavior.

Whether your child has been officially diagnosed with ADHD, or meets many criteria--the label doesn't matter so much as learning how this disability impacts your child's day-to-day. Learning to identify where your child struggles and ways to work around these obstacles is key to their long term success.

Here are some of my favorite ADHD resources to research both the impact of this disability on executive functioning and learn to manage these challenges in healthy ways.

ADDitude Magazine (Website)--explore this sites for endless articles, free handouts, regularly emailed resources and webinars, and parenting tips: https://www.additudemag.com/category/parenting-adhd-kids/download-parents/

How to ADHD (YouTube Channel)--I found this channel to be instrumental in better understanding my own diagnosis, why my brain works (or sometimes doesn't) the way that it does, and how to overcome some of the major challenges that having ADHD presents. *Please note while these videos are great for better understanding ADHD, not all content on this channel is appropriate or targeted for children with ADHD.*. https://youtu.be/xMWtGozn5jU?si=hkhHk34H41yj-SEg

Child Mind Institute (Website)--This is a great tool for support on a broad range of issues in childhood, with evidence based strategies for supporting children on a variety of topics. https://childmind.org/article/school-success-kit-for-kids-with-adhd/

Autism Resources

I've heard this phrase many times and found it to be true: "When you meet someone with Autism, you've met ONE person with Autism." Autism can be a hard disability to fully capture or describe because each individual you meet truly does bring their own unique spirit and challenges. Autism is an experience, like many, which exists on a spectrum and will likely present differently for the individual day to day, depending on what they may be experiencing in their personal life.

As we learn more about how Autism manifests for the individual who exists on this spectrum, we can learn to support their unique challenges.

This page from the CDC is a hub for various levels of support and understanding for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder: https://www.cdc.gov/autism/communication-resources/index.html

Parent and Child friendly resources with Sesame Street: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/autism/

Self-Esteem Resources

Self-esteem is the way children perceive themselves and their worth. It encompasses their beliefs about their abilities, their sense of belonging, and their overall value as individuals. Healthy self-esteem helps children navigate challenges, form positive relationships, and develop resilience. Conversely, low self-esteem can lead to feelings of insecurity and impact their emotional well-being.

Ways to Boost Your Child's Self-Esteem:

Celebrate Efforts, Not Just Achievements: Encourage a growth mindset by praising your child’s hard work and persistence, regardless of the outcome. This teaches them that effort is valuable and that mistakes are part of learning.
Encourage Independence: Allow your child to take on age-appropriate responsibilities. Completing tasks on their own, such as homework or chores, fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
Provide Unconditional Love: Show your child that they are valued for who they are, not just for their successes. Consistent love and support build a strong foundation for self-worth.
Set Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable goals. When they reach these goals, celebrate their successes to reinforce their belief in their abilities.
Foster Social Connections: Encourage your child to make friends and engage in social activities. Positive relationships provide support and help them feel accepted and valued.
Model Positive Self-Talk: Children learn by observing their parents. Practice positive self-talk and share how you handle setbacks, showing them the importance of a healthy self-image.
Encourage Hobbies and Interests: Help your child discover their passions. Engaging in activities they enjoy boosts their confidence and helps them develop new skills.
Teach Problem-Solving Skills: Empower your child to face challenges by teaching them how to solve problems independently. This builds confidence in their ability to navigate difficult situations.

By nurturing your child's self-esteem, you help them develop a strong sense of self-worth that will serve them well throughout their lives. Together, we can create an environment that promotes healthy self-esteem and encourages our children to thrive!

Anxiety Resources

Anxiety is a natural response to stress that everyone experiences, including children. It can manifest as excessive worry, fear, or nervousness about various situations, such as school, social interactions, or performance. While some anxiety is normal, persistent or overwhelming anxiety can interfere with a child’s daily life and emotional well-being.

Ways to Support Anxious Children:

Listen and Validate Their Feelings: Create a safe space for your child to express their worries. Listen actively and validate their feelings without judgment. Let them know it’s okay to feel anxious and that they are not alone.
Teach Coping Strategies: Introduce your child to simple coping techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, or visualization. These tools can help them manage anxiety in the moment.
Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable talking about their anxiety. Regularly check in with them about their feelings and experiences.
Establish Routines: Consistent daily routines can provide a sense of security for anxious children. Knowing what to expect can help reduce their anxiety about transitions or upcoming events.
Model Calmness: Demonstrate healthy coping strategies for managing your own stress and anxiety. Children often mimic their parents' behaviors, so modeling calmness can help them learn to manage their emotions.
Limit Exposure to Stressors: While it’s important for children to face challenges, being mindful of their exposure to stressful situations, such as overly demanding schedules or negative media, can help reduce anxiety.
Encourage Gradual Exposure: If your child has specific fears, gently encourage them to face these situations step-by-step, building their confidence along the way. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your child's anxiety significantly impacts their daily life, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance and support.

By understanding and supporting anxious children, we can help them develop the skills they need to manage their anxiety effectively. Together, we can create a nurturing environment that fosters resilience and emotional well-being!

Depression Resources

Depression in children is a serious mental health condition that goes beyond typical sadness. It can manifest as persistent feelings of hopelessness, a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, irritability, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. Understanding and recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for effective support and intervention.

Ways to Support Children with Depression:

Create a Safe Space for Expression: Encourage your child to share their feelings without fear of judgment. Let them know that it's normal to feel down sometimes and that you're there to listen.
Be Observant: Pay attention to changes in your child's behavior, such as withdrawal from friends or changes in appetite and sleep patterns. Noticing these signs can help you provide the right support.
Encourage Routine and Structure: Establish a daily routine that includes time for relaxation, physical activity, and social interactions. Consistency can provide a sense of security and help stabilize their mood.
Engage in Positive Activities: Encourage your child to participate in activities that promote joy and fulfillment, such as hobbies, sports, or creative arts. Find opportunities for them to express themselves and have fun.
Foster Connection: Help your child maintain friendships and social connections. Arrange playdates or group activities that can strengthen their bonds with peers and provide emotional support.
Be Patient and Understanding: Recognize that recovery takes time and that your child may have ups and downs. Show empathy and remind them that it's okay to seek help and take things at their own pace.
Educate Yourself and Your Child: Learning about depression can empower both you and your child. Help them understand their feelings and the importance of seeking support when needed.
Seek Professional Help: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance. Therapy can provide your child with coping strategies and a safe space to explore their feelings.

By fostering understanding and offering compassionate support, you can help your child navigate their feelings of depression and promote a path toward healing and resilience. Together, we can create an environment that nurtures emotional well-being and helps children thrive.

Resources for further reading:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14938-depression-in-children

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/childhood-depression-what-parents-can-do-to-help.aspx

Local Mental Health Resources

Page updated

Report abuse