“Distraction” gets a bad rap–but it can be a very useful stress reduction and emotional regulation skill. A dictionary definition of “distraction” is “a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.” (From Oxford Language dictionary). But what if that “something else” is a worrying or angry thought? Wouldn’t it be a Read More
Tag: stress
Zero to Sixty
During developmental screenings, parents often tell me their child has trouble with “big” emotions–anger and frustration–and goes from “zero-to-sixty” when they don’t get their way. What most parents are witnessing is more likely a child who is actually very successful in self-regulating from stress throughout the day! These children don’t have multiple outbursts over every Read More
What Are Your 5
Stress Management Strategies: what are your 5? Ever feel guilty because you think you should meditate—but you don’t? Does dancing relax you more than a yoga session? Read More
What I Can Control
Humans have the ability to worry about something that hasn’t happened yet—and trigger a real stress response—just by thinking about something! We also have the ability to ruminate over past situations—things that are over and done with—and trigger a real stress response—just by thinking about something that has already happened. Read More
Stress And The New Normal
During Covid-19 self-quarantine, constant change has become our new normal. Constant change is very stressful for children their parents. During periods of prolonged stress, it is important to care for our minds and bodies. This is especially important for our children and teens who have lost routine, supportive peers, teachers, extra-curriculars, and long-awaited summer plans. Read More
Anxiety In Young Children
Preschool-2nd Grade Young children can worry just as much as adults. What do preschoolers worry about? They don’t really have the ability to worry about big, abstract concepts, so they tend to concretize their worries into things like: Read More