Breathe. Think. Bounce Back (BOOKMARK!)

4/15/2019

Several strategies to increase our bounce back are familiar and yet often undervalued in our day-to-day lives.

First- Breathe Deeply
Breathing deeply is a key strategy for bouncing back. Research exploring deep (diaphragmatic) breathing and cortisol reminds us to do what babies naturally do. Breathe deeply.

What does this mean for those of us who work with complex kids? Essentially, sometime in our work days, we need to TAKE - 10 - DEEP BREATHS. When will you do this? While driving to work? While eating lunch? Recovering from a difficult moment?

Second - Think Carefully
What we say to ourselves matters. Dr. Rick Hansen has determined that what we say impacts varying parts of our brains. For an over-activated brain, the following statements can help calm us down.

1. I am safe
this calms the fight/flight/freeze/surrender parts of our brain.

2. I have all that I need (to be happy)
this calms the over-activated emotional centres of our brain

3. I am surrounded by people who love me
this calms the pre-frontal cortex

Dr. Becky Bailey adds "I am relaxing", a command to move the body and emotions into a safe, restorative state.

What people have said
My daughter (going on 4) is younger than the intended age group but she loves the “I Series”, she calls them her “Happy Face Books”. I love that even though she may not fully understand all of the content, there is a lot that I have been able to relate back to situations where she has been playing with her cousins and with other kids at the playground. The techniques demonstrated in these books have been a great guide for me as a parent to teach my pre-schooler emotional regulation skills and prepare her for future social situations." Ainsley Painchaud Instead I ... and What if I ... and So then I ... and Why Can't I ...

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I highly recommend [Instead I...'s] use in homes as well as in schools, where these concrete skills can be effectively modeled by adults and practiced by children.
W. Dale Heide, MSW,
Clinical Social Worker, AB,

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! “Instead I...” will help children navigate the many challenges of a school day.
Madeline DeLorey,
B.A., B.Ed. Teacher, ON

[Instead I ...] really helped my son with his behaviour in school and at home. He is now in Grade 5 and is making better choices and is a better student. Thanks for the AMAZING book!
Robert Parent Entrepreneur, AB

What If I … teaches skills to calm the worried mind. These skills that are foundational to good mental health in childhood AND adulthood.  What If I … draws the reader into the day-to-day realities of children and young students.
  Van McGeein, MSW, RSW
AB

This book is exceptional in helping quiet worriers build language around their feelings and develop simple strategies to begin to find new patterns.
  Dr. Jennifer Batycky,
Principal, AB

So then I… is a book that children will identify with and that adults will find invaluable in helping kids to ‘have a great week.’ Mary-Catherine ... weaves straightforward and research-based strategies for dealing with ... challenges into the story.
Craig Harper, M.Sc.
Psychologist, AB

So then I… is a great companion to the first two books. My daughter engaged with them immediately.
I know she will love this one too! Heidi Grogan, M.A.
Writer, Instructor, AB

This beautiful little book is a much needed resource for kids and the adults in their lives. ...   Why Can’t I helps every child to understand what they’re feeling, and to take simple, practical steps toward a healthier and happier state of being.
Tam Lundy, Ph.D.,
   Canadian Self-Regulation Initiative

This series is exceptional at giving children and adults the language to describe, and practice, emotional, calming, and social skills. ... Children can discover that they can “grow” important survival skills, that these skills aren’t simply innate or absent.      Liz Spittal, B.Ed., M.Ed.- TESL, English Language Learning

Breathe. Think. Bounce Back (BOOKMARK!)

Caring.
Transforming.
Connecting.

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Breathe. Think. Bounce Back (BOOKMARK!)

Caring. Transforming.Connecting.

Categories

Archives

Caring.
Transforming.
Connecting.