It's never too early to learn about self-care. Monkey see, money do, and those little monkeys are watching our every move. So if we aren't exercising self-care, your kid won't either...And then we'll have on our hands a kid who is stressed, depressed, and burned out.
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Here are some examples of self-care you can teach your kids this weekend:
1. Allowing yourself some silly TV, simply for fun.
2. Reading comic books.
3. A simple breathing exercise such as "square breathing".
4. A simple mindfulness exercise such as the "loving kindness meditation".
5. A warm bath.
6. Playing with your dog or cat.
7. Running around and being silly in the backyard.

I hope this helps. I would love to see your list; let me know how you and your kids exercise self-care.
 
#childrensmentalhealth #parenting #teachers #depression​

"You have some really lovely imagery in here, I especially like the idea of the beast filling the room, because that's so accurate as it truly feels like it takes up all the space available.” Anna Lazowski (author)

The Beast of Gloom is available now.
Words by psychotherapist Chris Warren-Dickins, illustrations by the wonderful Theodore Key.

It's never too early to learn about self-care.

Monkey see, money do, and those little monkeys are watching our every move. So if we aren't exercising self-care, your kid won't either...And then we'll have on our hands a kid who is stressed, depressed, and burned out.
​
Here are some examples of self-care you can teach your kids this weekend:
1. Allowing yourself some silly TV, simply for fun.
2. Reading comic books.
3. A simple breathing exercise such as "square breathing".
4. A simple mindfulness exercise such as the "loving kindness meditation".
5. A warm bath.
6. Playing with your dog or cat.
7. Running around and being silly in the backyard.

I hope this helps. I would love to see your list; let me know how you and your kids exercise self-care.

#childrensmentalhealth #parenting #teachers #depression

Is it too early to think about summer reading? This is a parenting tool to help your kids learn about "big feelings".
It's never too early to learn about this.

"Beyond the warmth of sunshine and joy, beyond the fun of favorite toys,
There lurks a Beast of darkness and gloom, A Beast so large, he can fill up the room."

The Beast of Gloom is available now.
https://www.chriswarrendickins.com/beast-of-gloom.html

To help kids manage difficult feelings, try an exercise called "Opposite Action."
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Help your kid to make a list of actions that produce the opposite of the difficult feelings. For example, if they are feeling low-energy because of depression, list activities that could increase their energy. This could be star jumps, hiking, or even trying intensely flavored foods (lemons, for example).

Making a list will help them to gain a sense of ownership over the exercise, and it will also give them a sense of control or certainty.

#ChildrensMentalHealth #parentingtips #mentalhealth #depression