Summer Street Counselor Corner

with Ms.Hunt

Happy May SSS!

Let's hope that the April showers are behind us! I hope you all enjoyed your April Vacations and are ready for the last push to get to the end of the school year! As the end of the school year approaches, it can bring up a lot of feelings. Some are excited for their summer plans, while the thought of leaving school for others brings up worries or sadness. Whatever feelings your child may have, be sure to normalize their emotions by talking about it with them. Transitions are hard, and all feelings are valid!

Check out the resources below for all things SEL!

How to Support Young Kids Struggling in School

How to Support Young Kids Who Are Struggling in School - Child Mind Institute

Even at an early age, the fallout from learning difficulties - frustration, embarrassment, a sense of being different than their peers - can damage kids' confidence. As a parent, it's hard to watch your child struggle, and knowing how to help isn't always easy. But there are things parents can do.

childmind.org

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Lynn Lyons Podcast on Helping Kids with Self Hatred & Blame

Lynn Lyons is an international speaker and psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire who helps children and families manage anxiety disorders. In this episode, Lynn discusses how parents can react when children jump to self criticism and self hate. Lynn suggests "the traps to avoid and the family skills to promote" when kids get in this negative thinking pattern.

Podcast Link

How Sensory Issues Affect Kids in School

How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Kids in School - Child Mind Institute

Your son's second grade teacher calls to say she's concerned about some of his behaviors in school: He can't sit still through a half-hour lesson and disrupts the class. He often seems distracted and doesn't pay attention to what she's saying He bumps into kids in the lunch line, making them angry.

childmind.org

"My Day is Ruined!" Read Aloud

Follow along as the main character learns how to be a flexible thinker and strategies he can implement when things don't quite go his way.

Managing Problem Behavior at Home

Managing Problem Behavior at Home - Child Mind Institute

One of the biggest challenges parents face is managing difficult or defiant behavior on the part of children. Whether they're refusing to put on their shoes, or throwing full-blown tantrums, you can find yourself at a loss for an effective way to respond.

childmind.org

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DIY Sensory Weighted Lap Belt

Many kids (and adults!) like the feeling of a weighted object on their body. It provides a sense of security and calmness, especially when feeling fidgety or anxious. This fun DIY sensory tool can be customized to fit your style and needs. It can be used in your lap or around your shoulders to provide that extra bit of weight and compression. Pick out some exciting patterned socks and have fun!

Instructions

Benefits of Weighted Items

Benefits of Weighted Items - Happy Dots

Weighted items are becoming popular nowadays and have been proven to provide benefits for children with Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, ADHD, ADD, Anxiety, Restless Leg Syndrome, and some mental health issues. So what is it really and what are the benefits?

happydots.com.au

Helping Kids with Executive Functioning Skills

Helping Kids Who Struggle With Executive Functions - Child Mind Institute

The first time you hear that your 7-year-old son is weak in "executive functions" it sounds like a joke. No kidding-that's why he's a first grader, not a CEO. But executive functions are the essential self-regulating skills that we all use every day to accomplish just about everything.

childmind.org

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"Good Inside" Podcast

Dr.Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist, parent, and founder of the podcast, Good Inside. This podcast addresses attachment, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and internal family systems theory and gives parents foundational, practical advice.

Link to Podcast

ADHD or Immaturity?

Is It ADHD or Immaturity? - Child Mind Institute

Several studies in recent years have found that children who are among the youngest in their class are diagnosed with ADHD at a much higher rate than their older classmates. This suggests that a significant percentage of kids with ADHD are being misdiagnosed just because they are less mature.

childmind.org

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I'm on Twitter!

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

Mindful Apps

Breathe, Think, Do

Calm

Headspace

Insight Timer

Parent Resources

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School Adjustment Counselor Website

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

Adjustment Counselor Website

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William James College Interface Referral Service

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.

***Please note that there are currently long wait times when you call the service. If you cannot get through when you call, feel free to leave a voicemail and they will call you back. Waitlist times for services are dependent upon families individual needs and can be from several days to several weeks.***

https://interface.williamjames.edu/

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A Healthy Lynnfield Mental Health Resource List

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

Hand Hold MA

"You might be noticing your child is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse. We’ve curated a collection of resources that you can try at home today and organizations that we know can help."

Therapy Matcher

"Therapy Matcher provides free, personalized, and confidential referrals to licensed social workers across Massachusetts."