Wellness Wednesday
Your Counselor - Ms. Mutter, & PBSES Coach - Ms. Kusunose
From Ms. Kusunose
Hello Families! We are in the last days of April. I hear from families and friends how amazing the time with family has been. Personally, I love my daily lunch dates with my own two children and our daily talks (and walks when the weather permits). This time feels very special to me as I feel like my children are growing up so quickly. I also hear the challenges of managing all the emotions in the home. Here are a few things to try with your child/ren to practice the skills around emotional regulation. This is also a great tool to use to discuss how you as an adult resolve your emotions. For more support, please reach out!
For Student:
Cookie Monster Can Wait! - primary
4 Strategies to Self-Regulate (Video 6:36 min) - Primary
Why We Lose Control (video 6 min) - Intermediate
For Student and Family:
5 Games to Play for Self-Regulation (video 7 min) - Games starts at 2:33
1. Red Light Green Light. “Red Light” = Freeze. “Green Light” = move towards finish line.
2. Freeze Game. Music on = Dance. Music off = Freeze.
3. Wacky Relay. Pair moves an item together using one body part. For example, two kids move a bar of soap using elbows, across the living room!
4. Blowing Bubbles. Challenge: Not to pop them.
For Family:
Article: How to Teach Your Child Self-Regulation
From Ms. Mutter
Adults can model this with verbal sharing activities such as "Rose and Thorn", where you share one thing that made you smile or made you feel good that day (Rose), and one thing that made you feel upset/frustrated/sad/worried (Thorn), and what you might do to handle that situation. Practicing this verbal processing of feelings out loud with people you trust is incredibly healing. Make sure to incorporate lots of feeling words (and even feelings visuals) as you have these conversations with your kids. "I felt _______ when _______ because _______."
Some prefer to express feelings in other ways, such as art and creativity. One of the most effective ways I can help students process very strong or overwhelming feelings is through art or writing. As soon as a student is able to put those big emotions down on paper, they can feel some sense of control and calm. I love this local organization, Art with Heart, that focuses on using art to help kids cope with adversity and trauma. They have put together ideas for creative expression activities in the home during COVID. Click here to learn more!
Nami Kusunose, PBSES Coach
Kailey Mutter, School Counselor
Email: mutterk@issaquah.wednet.edu
Website: http://counselorkail.weebly.com/news