In this conversation, Kelly speaks with Jessica Butler, a licensed clinical social worker and certified child center play therapist, about the increasing anxiety in children and how families can navigate these challenges. They discuss the common causes and symptoms of anxiety, when to seek professional help, effective communication strategies for parents, therapeutic approaches used in child therapy, and the importance of community support and resources for families.

-takeaways-

• More children are struggling with anxiety due to a fast-paced world.
• Anxiety is often a result of unprocessed emotions.
• Anxiety can look like a lot of different behaviors in children and adolescents from big emotions, difficulty separating from parents, difficulty sleeping and more.
• Parents should seek help when anxiety causes significant impairment in daily functioning.
• Normalizing discussions about feelings can help children express themselves.
• Identifying and labeling feelings is crucial for emotional regulation.
• Therapeutic play can help children process their emotions effectively.
• Educators should create environments that support emotional safety.
• Honesty about difficult topics can reduce fear in children.
• Parents should be curious about their child's behaviors and emotional reactions.
• Community resources and workshops can provide additional support for families.

Screening for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (there is a child version and a parent version) at https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-06/SCARED-form-Parent-and-Child-version.pdf

Just Be Kids CNY is located in Baldwinsville, check out their services here!

Follow on social @justbekidscny

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

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Cultivating Calm: Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Strategies with Trista Phillipson

In this episode, we explore effective relaxation and mindfulness techniques designed for children, guided by yoga instructor Trista Phillipson. Discover practical tools that caregivers and educators can implement to help children navigate stress, overstimulation, and emotional challenges in a busy world.

Little Yogis by Trista @littleyogisbytrista and https://www.littleyogisbytrista.com/

In this episode:

• The importance of relaxation and mindfulness for children in today’s society
• How societal pace and technology impact children’s mental health
• Simple signs indicating a child might be overwhelmed or stressed
• Practical relaxation tools: singing bowls, breathing balls, and mantras
• How to model mindfulness and positive self-talk as adults
• Using sensory activities like feathers, pom-poms, and art projects for calming
• Incorporating mindful movement and breathing exercises into daily routines
• Easy strategies for classrooms and home environments to create calming moments
• Recommended resources including kids yoga music and mindfulness apps
• The power of planting seeds early: building emotional resilience for lifelong well-being

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why children need relaxation and mindfulness in a fast-paced world
02:02 - The impact of technology and societal demands on children's stress levels
07:37 - Recognizing signs that a child is overwhelmed or in need of a break
12:43 - Favorite relaxation tools for children: singing bowls, breathing balls, mantras
15:24 - How art projects and mindful movement promote calmness
19:02 - Using affirmations and guided meditations in everyday routines
23:30 - Practical classroom activities: square breathing, sensory games, and more
36:36 - Resources for incorporating yoga and mindfulness into your setting
39:04 - The importance of planting seeds of mindfulness early and modeling calmness
42:17 - Creating classroom and home environments that foster peace and focus
44:02 - Recommended mindfulness apps and music for relaxation and sleep

Resources mentioned during episode:

• Snoop Dogg – “Affirmation Song”
  • From the Doggyland album
• Kira Wiley (Spotify)
  • Yoga songs
  • “30 Mindful Moments”
• Calm App (kids version mentioned)
  • Short guided meditations before bed

Remember, cultivating resilience begins with small seeds of mindfulness and calmness that grow well into lifelong skills for self-care and emotional balance. Start today by introducing these emotional tools to your children!

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here!

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

This episode feels like a warm hug for all mothers. Tracy and Kelly are deeply honest and vulnerable as they discuss the early days of motherhood as well as the challenges that come with each new age/phase.

Takeaways:

• Motherhood often comes with unexpected challenges and emotions.
• It's important to share feelings of anxiety and vulnerability with others.
• Self-care is essential for mental health, especially for mothers.
• Community support can significantly ease the burdens of parenting.
• The pressures of social media can distort perceptions of motherhood.
• Each stage of parenting presents new challenges and anxieties.
• It's okay to not have all the answers as a parent.
• Finding micro-moments for self-care can be transformative.
• As children grow, parenting dynamics and challenges evolve.
• Embracing imperfection in parenting is crucial for mental well-being.

We are all “practicing parenting” and we aren't always going to get it all right! This episode validates all your hard feelings during motherhood and helps you give yourself grace.

Chapters:

00:00Introduction to Vulnerability in Motherhood

01:10Expectations vs. Reality of Early Motherhood

04:31Navigating the Challenges of New Motherhood

07:24The Evolution of Parenting Challenges

11:42Anxiety in Parenting: The Preteen Years

16:22Finding Grace in Imperfect Parenting

18:08The Overwhelming Mental Load of Parenting

23:30Asking for Help: A Necessary Step

26:21Building Community for Support

26:45Prioritizing Mental Health as a Parent

32:47Redefining Self-Care in Daily Life

Love listening to Tracy? Check out her podcast Truthfully, Tracy

Learn more about her work at Safe Space and Root to Rise as well as her speaking engagements and 1:1 coaching sessions at https://www.tracydando.com/

Follow her on social media @tracylynndando or @truthfullytracy_podcast

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here!

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com