Calm and Connected Podcast

On today’s show I speak to Speech Language Pathologist Heidi Miller about all things speech related. SLP’s help children with speech i.e. the way they articulate sounds, they help with language, so the way they put words together which also encompasses social skills so what a person says, how they say it, when they say it and picking up on others peoples cue’s which for some children can be a real challenge. It’s a big subject so we start by talking about how children’s social skills have changed since the pandemic…The topics we cover in this episode are;What a speech language pathologist doesChildren don’t have to vocalize to be communicating Every child is different, even if they grew up in the same householdWhat is a pragmatic disorder?How can you tell the difference between a pragmatic disorder or just effects from the pandemic?Which games Heidi uses in therapy with children Play is the natural way you can use social skillsIt’s okay to feed your children conversation startersSocial skills start at home but we can help bridge that to schoolBeing a good listener and how that can affect your childHow Heidi likes to rest and rechargeAbout The Guest - Heidi MillerHeidi Miller MS, CCC- SLP, COM® (Speech Language Pathologist Certified Orofacial Myologist Feeding Expert), who has been practicing speech for over 20 years, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her master’s in speech-language pathology from Nova Southeastern University. She is licensed in the states of New Jersey and Florida. Additionally, due to her extensive training in apraxia, she was chosen by New York University to attend an advanced Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) workshop for the most accomplished in the field. Heidi finished the International Association of Orofacial Myologist’s certification program becoming a Certified Orofacial Myologist. Heidi is the author of the HMS Feeding Therapy Protocol For Expanding Repertoire of Picky Eaters and Children With ARFID. A guide to teach SLP’s and OT’s how to effectively treat picky eaters by creating a safe environment for them to confidently learn to eat new foods. Clinician’s can earn ASHA CEU’s when they take her course. In addition to her work within the spectrum of speech, Heidi is a trained as a Certified Orofacial Myologist. She has a particular interest in feeding disorders, which can deeply affect children well into their future. Heidi was chosen to be a Main Guest Speaker at the Talk Tools OMD Deconstructed and Feeding Conference. Heidi has become an expert in the filed an has written several courses to teach other clinicians how to treat the picky feeder population. Heidi is extremely invested in her HMS team.Though Heidi has worked in a multitude of settings, including private clinics, hospitals, and schools, she found her home in her own practice, with 2 settings in Florham Park & Park Ridge New Jersey. Her practice has been recognized by NJ Family Magazine, Favorite Kid’s Doc since it opened its doors in 2010. Most recently winning “Top Vote Getter for Speech Pathology”. Heidi is married with three children, which helps her understand a parent’s perspective. Additionally, the stresses of a busy household are not lost on her. She can relate and empathize with the concern every parent has for their child, and her direct and honest approach will guide your family through every step of growth. When Heidi isn’t working to change the lives of children, she can be found in the joyful chaos of her own home with her husband Dan, her three kids, Justin, Landon, and Lyla, and their adorable dog, Baci. ​​Website - https://heidimillerspeech.com/about-us/Instagram - @heidimillerspeechandassociates TikTok @hmsfeedingandspeechFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeidiMillerSpeech/About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

Take a long, slow, deep breath. In… and out. Doesn’t that feel a lot better? Today’s episode is all about breathing and how to regulate your nervous system. A lot of people say it and it’s just so true, the breath is so powerful and a good way to help navigate difficult situations and emotions. My guest is an expert in this field, Jennifer Cohen Harper is a mindfulness and yoga educator and she tells me the best practices when it comes to using your breath as well as the following topics…The topics we cover in this episode are;Teaching yoga and mindfulness in schoolsWhat mistakes teachers sometimes make when teaching kids to use their breathThe different uses of the ‘in’ and ‘out’ breath and why it mattersWhy saying to your child ‘Calm down’ is so dismissive and never really helps‘Controlling’ big emotionsThe importance of modeling using these same skills yourself as the parentGet obvious with your kidsOwning up to your own mistakes as parents / teachers Teaching children to love their bodies and not judge themselves based on appearance How each stage of parenthood can teach you something new about yourselfHow Jennifer likes to relaxAnd remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!—About The Guest - Jennifer Cohen HarperJennifer Cohen Harper is a mindfulness and yoga educator, author, public speaker and mother, who works to support children in the development of strong inner resources. She is the author of the popular Thank You Children's book series, including new release Thank You Breath: Finding Peace and Power from the Inside Out, as well as the creator of numerous yoga and mindfulness based card decks, activity books and other resources for children and families. Jennifer founded Little Flower Yoga and Mindfulness in 2006. As the Founder and CEO, Jennifer brings embodied mindfulness programming and education to schools and community organizations nationwide, serving students, families, educators, and mental health care providers. Jennifer’s work has been featured in prominent publications including the NY Times, The International Journal of Yoga Therapy, Publishers Weekly, Yoga Journal, and the Huffington Post. Jennifer’s work has been endorsed by thought leaders including Dr. Daniel Siegel, Rick Hanson, Sharon Salzberg and Congressman Tim Ryan. She is a frequent presenter at mindfulness, yoga, education and mental health conferences, and teaches regularly at renowned retreat centers including Omega Institute, Kripalu, and 1440 Multiversity.​​Website - www.jennifercohenharper.com / www.littlefloweryoga.comInstagram - @jennifercohenharperFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/jennifercohenharperJennifer’s New Book - Thank You Breath: Finding Peace and Power from the Inside OutNew Workshop - Navigating Anxiety in Children: Meeting Stress with Inner Strength. Offering a new guided version of the course starting in Sept. in partnership with Omega Institute -https://www.eomega.org/workshops/2022-navigating-anxiety-childrenAbout The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

I’m thrilled to welcome Wendy Snyder, a Positive Parenting educator, family life coach & advocate to my podcast this week as she has such a brilliant story of when life gets hard, how you can flip it around to a positive and loving life. Wendy had so much trouble with her daughter being so strong willed after quitting her job to become a stay-at-home mom. She was convinced she had ADHD or something of the sort until she took a local parenting course. Take a listen to this episode to learn how you can flip up your life and gain the knowledge you need to have a more fulfilling and happy parenthood. The topics we cover in this episode are:How you imagine parenthood VS reality The idea behind Cactus KidsWhy you don’t want to squash strong-willed behaviors What strategies do and don’t workDifferent culture pressuresOffer an inch and they will take a mileWhat should families do who are struggling with power?Letting them make the decision Changing your mindset as a parent to not dread certain life momentsThe beauty of every life stage - toddlers to teenagersHow do you keep yourself calm in those difficult momentsSelf compassion and curiosity How movement can spark joyAnd remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!—About The Guest - Wendy Snyder Wendy Snyder is a Positive Parenting educator, family life coach & advocate. She is certified in Redirecting Children's Behavior & The Joy of Parenting Program. Wendy founded her online business, Fresh Start Family, so that she could spread the message of positive parenting across the world. She is the developer of a variety of online positive parenting courses and also has a monthly membership program to further support families. Wendy helps families parent from a place of great purpose and intention by creating healthy, respectful & cooperative relationships.​​Website - www.freshstartfamilyonline.comInstagram - @freshstartwendy www.instagram.com/freshstartwendyFacebook - facebook.com/freshstartfamilyFree Guide to Raising Strong Willed Kids:https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/strongwilledkids/Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint:https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firm-kind-blueprint/About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

I’m excited to be speaking to world renowned parent expert Sue Atkins on this episode of the Calm & Connected podcast. We discuss the pro’s and con’s of having an outspoken child, they may make your life difficult but don’t you want a child who can stand up for themselves? Children are naturally so curious so it’s our job as their parents to help them learn and explore the world, not dull their experience so we don’t have to put the effort in. The topics we cover in this episode are;Why do kids ask ‘Why?’ so much? And what can we do about it?Toddlers, independence and saying ‘no’The importance of slowing down in parenthoodHow can parents support their kids while coming out of the pandemic?How beneficial it can be for your child to see you relaxDon’t be a perfect parentThe 4 C’s; Connection, Count, Capable, CourageEnjoying the journey, not just focusing on the destinationAbout The Guest - Sue AtkinsSue Atkins is an internationally recognised Parenting Expert, Broadcaster, Speaker and Author of the Amazon best-selling books “Parenting Made Easy – How to Raise Happy Children” & “Raising Happy Children for Dummies" one in the famous black and yellow series as well as author of the highly acclaimed Parenting Made Easy resources. She regularly appears on the award-winning flagship ITV show “This Morning,” Good Morning Britain and Sky News & is the parenting expert for many BBC Radio Stations around the UK.Follow Sue:Website www.thesueatkins.comSue on Twitter: @sueatkinsSue on Instagram: @sueatkins18Sue on Facebook: Sue Atkins The Parenting ExpertSue on LinkedIn: Sue AtkinsSue on Pinterest: Sue Atkins Parenting ExpertSue on YouTube: Sue Atkins Parenting Expert  About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

I’m so excited to welcome Dr Lynne Kenney on to the Calm & Connected Podcast this week. We chat about all things executive functioning and how sessions differ with children in comparison to teenagers. We kept the conversation on the lighter treatment side rather than all the science-lingo heavy side. I hope you enjoy it!! The topics we cover in this episode are;What actually is executive functioning?How young you can start teaching children executive function skillsHow slowing down for kids can make them achieve and learn moreDifferent types of mindfulness practices How mantras can helpHow little questions can have a big impactHow things differ from children to teenagersTeenagers are human too - they want love, affection and to feel masterfulThe importance of thinking about what other people needAnd remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!Dr. Lynne Kenney is the nation’s leading pediatric psychologist in the development of classroom cognitive-physical activity programs for students grades K-8. Dr. Kenney develops curriculum, programming, and activities to improve children’s cognition through coordinative cognitive-motor movement, executive function skill-building strategies, and social-emotional learning. Dr. Kenney is a pediatric psychologist on the Language & Cognition Team at Wellington-Alexander Center, Scottsdale, Arizona. She has advanced fellowship training in forensic psychology and developmental pediatric psychology from Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Harbor-UCLA/UCLA Medical School. Dr. Kenney holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Physical Education from the University of Southern California. In 1992, she earned her Doctorate in Psychology at Pepperdine.Dr. Kenney’s books include Brain Primers, 2020 (Kuczala & Kenney); 70 Play Activities for Better Thinking, Self-Regulation, Learning and Behavior (Kenney & Comizio, 2016); the Social-Emotional Literacy program, Bloom Your Room™; Musical Thinking™; and Bloom: 50 things to say, think and do with anxious, angry and over-the-top-kids (Kenney & Young, 2015). ​​Website - www.lynnekenney.comTwitter - @drlynnekenney Instagram - @drlynnekenney About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

In this episode, I invited Dr. Dawn Huebner, child psychologist and parent coach back on the show to talk about her mini book series called Mini Books about Mighty Fears. Alongside that we learn about what phobias really are, how to combat them plus…How parents tend to react to their child's fearWhy comforting and reassuring can be so damagingThe brain’s alarm systemThe best first step to take with a new fearWith fears, practice is key!The old school methods of dealing with fearsAnxiety is uncomfortable but not dangerous The most common childhood fearsAbout The Guest - Dr Dawn HuebnerDawn Huebner, PhD, is the award-winning author of 14 books for children selling over 1 million copies in 23 languages. A child psychologist, parent coach, and popular speaker, Dr. Dawn translates the latest research into actionable strategies to free young worriers from anxiety. She has been featured on a host of news and information outlets and is frequently interviewed by popular parenting magazines with the aim of helping children live happier lives. Dawn’s Website - dawnhuebnerphd.comDawn’s mini book series - https://www.dawnhuebnerphd.com/books-by-dawn/Dawn’s Facebook pageMini Books about Mighty FearsGet 15% off the books until 6/30/2022Visit us.jkp.com to use the Discount Code: MIGHTYFEARS15About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

In this episode I discuss resting and resetting as we all head into summer. Recently I took a business class and from that I have picked up a habit of asking myself two questions every single day; What do I get to enjoy today? And an evening question which is - If I could relive this day, what would I do differently? I noticed I would get to the end of the day, and the tasks I wished I had completed were, call my mom or talk to my sister… the common link? Connection! I had been missing connection with those around me so I set about changing that! And I want this episode to focus on that for you. How can you and your family connect this summer? If you’re stuck for ideas then be sure to listen to this episode as I share ways you can reconnect and energize with different activities. And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!—About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

In this week’s episode I talk to child and adolescent psychotherapist, Katie Hurley about her brand new book ‘The Stress-Buster Workbook for Kids’ which I have absolutely loved reading and learning from. Stress and anxiety isn’t something just adults experience, children do too, so the earlier we can educate them on useful coping skills and techniques, the better! In this episode we discuss the following; The importance of fresh and engaging ideas to reel in kidsThe different types of stress - good stress, toxic stress, mini stressOur window of tolerance, our emotions always go up and down everyday How picturing someone's grandma can help children understand how to be kindThe ‘Take 5’ grounding techniqueMindfulness and multitaskingWhat is a dream disc? And how does it help kids at night?The truth behind creative brains having trouble at night timeHow to set boundariesNo is a complete sentenceHow the pandemic made us lose our boundariesHow Katie rests and rechargesAbout The Guest: Katie Hurley, LCSWKatie Hurley, LCSW, is a child and adolescent psychotherapist and the author of five books, including her award winning No More Mean Girls and her latest release, The Stress-Buster Workbook for Kids.​​Website - www.practicalkatie.comTwitter - @katiefhurleyInstagram - @katiefhurley And remember, don’t forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

In this episode, I discuss some ways you can practice problem solving using creative prompts. As we all know, social skills are key to interacting well with others - skills such as listening, working together, being kind, watching your own personal space versus others personal space and taking turns. They all need to be learned in childhood to have a successful and fulfilling adult life.I share how to use things around your office or home as a social skills building activity. You can use any items you have lying around, like paper straws, cotton balls, yarn, paper cups, clothes pins, duck tape - all lots of weird and wonderful materials.The group then goes on to choose what problems to solve. It works great with different ages of kids. If you're doing this as part of a group plan, it's good to debrief at the end, and find out what they think worked and what didn’t, etc. Take a listen to learn how to use these items to practice social skills.And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!—About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

In this week’s episode I talk to educator, parent and founder of FeelLinks; Marcelle Waldman. FeelLinks is a hands-on resource for kids that has plush emotion dolls and a journal. We had such a great conversation about how we can support social and emotional learning at home, through listening to what our kids are saying. The topics we cover are:Benefits of social and emotional learningHow working on your own emotions helps you understand societies emotionsThe importance of listening to our emotionsHow social and emotional learning doesn’t just take place at schoolListening to your kids and learning from themHow to model identifying your emotions and dealing with themMaking plans when emotions are calmWhen emotions are high, realizing why that’s not the teachable momentHow journalling can be beneficialAbout The Guest: Marcelle WaldmanMarcelle Waldman lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. She is a certified K-5 elementary educator, which means having the incredible opportunity to teach some of their youngest learners in kindergarten and preschool. She has also served as the preschool director. Marcelle has completed extensive coursework in psychology, child development, youth mental health and she is Youth Mental Health First Aid trained. Being a community educator - she is focused on children, brain development, behaviors, emotions and overall emotional intelligence. Alongside this, she is an avid community volunteer, having served on the school’s PTA board as vice president and president, contributed to many School District committees, currently sit on the Issaquah Schools Foundation programs committee, and volunteers for the Ladybug House, an end of life hospice and palliative care program. Marcelle’s company FeelLinks is a hands-on resource for children. It promotes growth in lifelong skills in emotional intelligence; self-awareness, social-awareness, self-management, and relationships skills. ​​Website - Myfeellinks.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/myfeellinksInstagram - @myfeellinks You can find the FeelLinks Journal and dolls here - https://myfeellinks.comAnd remember, don’t forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/