How can it be March already? This school year is flying by! We now have a long time to go until our next break. This month, it is important to remember to take care of yourself. Self care can look different for every person. For self care, I personally enjoy going for a long walk outside, completing puzzles, baking sweet treats, or reading a fun book. For others, puzzles and reading may make them feel overwhelmed or anxious. Many students I know simply enjoy listening to preferred music, playing a videogame, or painting their nails. Whatever self care option you choose this month, make sure it's something you truly enjoy and feel refreshed from afterward.

A great sensory alternative to slime. The same squishy feeling without all the mess! Get creative and fill your sensory pad with anything you'd like!

Homemade Sensory Pad Instructions

1. Why is it scary to try something new?

2. Have you ever felt nervous or scared when trying something for the first time?

3. How did you feel after you tried something for the first time?

4. What did Jabari learn in this story? Did he learn more than one thing?

It can be difficult for parents to go from the protectors and "fixers" to the consultant of problem solving. This article helps explain the importance of parents taking a step back and allowing children the opportunity to make mistakes, problem solve, and develop a sense of independence. This can look different for every family!

Raising Confident, Independent Children Article

Having worries is completely normal! This video helps explain the science behind our anxiety. The important thing to remember is that anxiety is temporary and can be changed! All we need to do is to retrain the way our brain thinks. So the next time a worry comes to mind, have your child acknowledge the worry and talk back to it.

For example, if your child is worried about their math test, have them talk back to worry by saying "I'm nervous, but I'm going to try my best. I don't need to worry."

Common phrases to use are:

- "I will try, even though I'm uncomfortable"

- "I can do hard things"

- "I know I can do this, because I did ______ the other day"

- "I don't need to think about that because that's an adult worry"

Lynn Lyons is an international speaker and psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire who helps children and families manage anxiety disorders. In this podcast, Lynn Lyons discusses the toxicity of achievement culture and the invisibility it has within society.

https://luxerecess.com/flusterclux/achievement-culture/

There is always a reason to celebrate and find something positive. I think that is especially important during the times of COVID. Check out these obscure holidays in March!

March 1st: Peanut Butter Lovers' Day

March 2nd: Old Stuff Day

March 3rd: Caregiver Appreciation Day

March 5th: Employee Appreciation Day

March 6th: National Frozen Food Day

March 7th: National Cereal Day

March 10th: International Day of Awesomeness

March 11th: Popcorn Lover's Day

March 12th: Plant a Flower Day

March 13th: International Fanny Pack Day

March 14th: Learn About Butterflies Day

March 16th: Giant Panda Bear Day

March 17th: Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

March 18th: Awkward Moments Day

March 19th: Poultry Day

March 20th: International Day of Happiness

March 21st: World Poetry Day

March 22nd: National Goof Off Day

March 23rd: National Puppy Day

March 24th: National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day

March 25th: Pecan Day

March 26th: National Spinach Day

March 28th: Something on a Stick Day

March 29th: National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

March 30th: Take a Walk in the Park Day

March 31st: National Crayon Day

Looking for more resources? Check out the Adjustment Counselor website for SEL information, resources, and more!

Adjustment Counselor Website

Ms.Hunt is officially on Twitter. Follow my page for SEL updates, articles, and other helpful tips throughout the school year. @MsHuntSSS

The Interface referral service is a mental health and wellness referral help line. Callers from Lynnfield are matched with licensed mental health providers from their database within an approximate two week period of time and are matched by location, insurance and specialty needs of the caller.

The number to reach is 888-244-6843 and they can be reached Monday-Friday from 9-5.

https://interface.williamjames.edu/

We are including this comprehensive list as it is a great resource for mental health resources in our area.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xLJDUNz7g-oD6e-3Rmclvw75nmSWzQJ/view

February

January

December

November

October

Heather Hunt, MSW, LCSW

School Adjustment Counselor

Summer Street School

Email: hunth@lynnfield.k12.ma.us

Phone: (781) 334-5830 x3821

Twitter: @MsHuntSSS