Parent Resources

Caring & Sharing

It’s a big world, and a lot of us are sharing space in it. Children need your help building the skills that let them develop healthy relationships and respect the differences between themselves and others.

Click on the following link to access Sesame Street's full page of articles, videos, activities and storybooks at: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/caring/

Family Bonding

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and each is unique in its own way. But one thing all families have in common is love. Everyone benefits from spending quality time with family. With little ones, that usually involves plenty of silly play! Here are resources and activities with simple, everyday ways to live, love, learn, laugh, and create lasting memories together.

Click on the following link to access Sesame Street's full page of articles, videos, activities and storybooks at: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/family-bonding/

Handling Meltdowns

All children feel big emotions sometimes: anger, frustration, impatience, sadness. And that’s okay. It’s what they do with these feelings that counts. Grown-ups know how hard it is when big feelings cause big meltdowns, but you can help kids identify and name their feelings and learn to act in a positive way. When you show kids how to manage big feelings and stay calm, you’re showing that there are other ways to deal with overwhelming emotions. But it’s not always easy to be patient when a child acts out, so take time for yourself, too!

Click on the following link to access Sesame Street's full page of articles, videos, activities and storybooks at: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/tantrums/

Self-Regulation for Kids: Expert Tips to Manage Meltdowns

Want some strategies to help improve self-regulation?

In this video, child psychologist Ellen Braaten, PhD, shares her strategies to help your child self-regulate. Some kids with learning and thinking differences may find it hard to express their emotions. Dr. Braaten shares her insights on different emotional outbursts and ways to help manage these moments.

For more information visit: https://www.understood.org/pages/en/families/

Resilience

Everyday life is full of challenges big and small! When you give children the tools to overcome obstacles, you help them learn and grow. Providing your love and support through everyday challenges is the first and most important step in helping kids develop the confidence to overcome anything they face.

Click on the following link to access Sesame Street's full page of articles, videos, activities and storybooks at: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/resilience/

Self Care:You Matter Most!

Your child already has a leg up in life. That’s because she has you. You are the most important factor in your child’s growth and development. When you’re at your best, you’ll be better able to help your little one to learn, grow, and thrive.

Click on the following link to access Sesame Street's full page of articles, videos, activities and storybooks at: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/you-matter-most/

Staying Healthy

Routines are key to keeping healthy. Brushing teeth, washing hands, eating well, and exercising every day help everyone grow and thrive. “Every so often” routines, such as doctor and dentist checkups, ensure that families have the support, information, and care they need to help kids stay well!

Click on the following link for additional movement/exercise options at home: https://vimeo.com/showcase/6880106

Click on the following link to access Sesame Street's full page of articles, videos, activities and storybooks at: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/health/

Creating a Calm Corner

Creating a calm corner for our children at home is a great strategy to help them have a space to learn, practice, and use their coping skills.

https://copingskillsforkids.com/blog/2016/4/27/how-to-create-a-calm-down-spot

Mindfulness for Kids

More information about mindfulness and how we can explain it to our children:

https://blissfulkids.com/mindfulness-and-the-brain-how-to-explain-it-to-children/

Social-Emotional Learning Activities You Can Try at Home

Social-emotional learning is an important part of a child's social development. It helps kids develop interpersonal skills like working in teams and resolving conflicts.

So what can you, as a parent, do to help your child develop strong social-emotional skills? Hear from Jerome (Jerry) Schultz, Ph.D., on some fun social emotional learning activities you can do at home—from baking to telling jokes to putting on a play—that will have you and your child laughing and learning at the same time.

For more information visit: https://www.understood.org/pages/en/families/

How TV Can Help Kids Improve Social Skills

Does your child have trouble picking up social cues? Watching TV with our children may be a good way to help them learn and practice social skills. In this video, an expert shows a mom how to use TV to help her 10-year-old son better understand emotions, behavior and sarcasm.

This is example is tailored to older children, though the activities can also be used with younger children but modifying the shows they watch and questions we're asking. Let try!

Ways to Help Your Grade-Schooler

Learn Social Cues

Does your grade-schooler have difficulty “reading” other people’s body language? Does she misunderstand what’s happening in social situations? Here’s how you can help your child pick up on common social cues.

https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/common-challenges/picking-up-on-social-cues/8-ways-to-help-your-grade-schooler-learn-social-cues

Practice making eye contact.

Encourage your child to look at your eyes when you two talk. When she’s focused on your face, she can see your expressions change. (Make sure your eyes are on her when she speaks to you, too.) Ask her what your expressions mean. If she doesn’t know, explain the message you were sending.

Encourage attention.

Give your child your full attention when you’re talking to her. By doing so, you’re setting a great example. Save texting and checking your email for another time. Try not to let your mind wander. If you notice your child spacing off when you’re speaking to her, gently guide her back: “Can you please look at my face when I’m talking to you?”

Observe your child's expressions.

Help your child realize how expressive her own face can be. This can help her notice other people’s facial expressions. You might say, “Your eyebrows are raised. Are you feeling surprised?” or “That’s a big smile. Tell me what you’re so happy about.”

Role-play common scenarios.

Kids who have trouble with social cues can benefit from practicing everyday interactions. Try role-playing different situations with your child. Respond to things she says or does using body language and expressions. Ask your child what messages you’re sending out and how she might react to them.

Homework: Challenges and Solutions

Does homework feel like a constant battle for your family? Does your child avoid doing homework or rush through it without thinking? Kids with learning and thinking differences often have challenges with homework. Join this chat with Jerry Schultz, PhD, to learn strategies and tools that can help.

For more information visit: https://www.understood.org/pages/en/families/

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