Lowell BHS Newsletter

When it rains, it pours! Dealing with change is hard enough (for kids AND adults)- and when multiple transitions and or changes to routine occur simultaneously it can feel like a (temporary) dumpster fire. Here are three ways to help children cope with tough transitions in school—whether you’re their teacher or their parent.

1. Invite them to talk about their feelings. Listen to whatever they say— validate their feelings and let them know that whatever they’re experiencing is OK. It can also be helpful and empowering for kids to hear about your feelings around change- providing the adult with an opportunity to express their feelings and model how to do so in a healthy and appropriate way. Transition cards can be helpful for children who struggle more with goodbyes during the holidays and school breaks.

2. Direct children to see what they are in control of. Unwelcome change makes people feel like they don’t have control over their lives. Ask your students or children, “What are you free to choose right now?” and they’ll be reminded of their own power. Focus on what is inside their control.

3. Help them connect with their own resilience, coping mechanisms, and energy. They have dealt with change and challenge before. Help them access those resources and remind them that they will get through this latest challenge.

27 Resilience Activities for Students and Adults

And last but not least, remember that regulation starts with you, as the adult!

The single most important thing you can do for your stress

Tips for parenting through holiday stress

Self-regulation is the “conscious control of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors” That is a LOT to ask of kids.

Co-regulation is modeling and guiding your students to be in “conscious control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors”

So when we hope children will begin to self-regulate, we often want them to independently ask for a break where they’ll start using appropriate coping skills like deep breathing, stretches, coloring, or journaling. We teach them when they’re at their baseline, they can exhibit the skills when they’re calm, but when things get real, they often can’t reach for the skills they’ve been practicing, and they continue to escalate.

Practicing coping skills WITH them at first, keeping a calm demeanor and using empathetic language, you’re ensuring safety, by modeling to the child what a safe and calm body looks like, while regulating yourself. Win-win!

Read full article on why co-regulation is so important, here

What does therapy with young children look like?

Although the stigma of mental health issues and treatment is decreasing, for many people when they hear the word "therapy" they still think of the stereotypical image of an individual laying back on a chaise lounge (therapy couch) while a very professional-looking person takes notes, repeatedly asking "and how does that make you feel?". Therapy with young children does not look like traditional talk therapy- utilizing developmentally appropriate creative interventions and tools such as play therapy.

What is Play Therapy?

• Play therapy is an evidenced-based method of mental health treatment that uses play activities (toys, games, art, etc.) to help children through mental and emotional issues.
  
• Play is a communication method for young children
• During play, children learn to experience and express emotions, as well as learn and practice social skills

• Play therapy is a way for children to process stressful or traumatic experiences

• Play teaches empathy, compassion, and ways to communicate and work with others

If my door is open, stop by & say hi! My office is located in Room 221.

General Hours: Mondays (8:00am-4:00pm), Tuesdays & Wednesdays (7:00am-3:00pm), Thursdays & Fridays (8:00am-4:00pm)

Lowell Schedule: Tuesday & Wednesday (7:00am-3:00pm), some Mondays as needed

Available for mental health consultation upon request

Email: bschlueter@madison.k12.wi.us
Website: https://childrenswi.org/
Location: Room 221
Phone: 608 509 3784

Please reach out if you are interested in discussing a community mental health referral for yourself.

Other mental health resources and supports are available

Previous BHS newsletters will be listed here.