April 20, 2021

An Appreciation Practice for Children - https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-for-kids/#meditation

By Susan Kaiser Greenland

Leading the game:

1. Ask your child: “Do you ever feel disappointed by something or someone?”
2. Ask: “How did that make you feel?”
   Acknowledge their feelings and, if appropriate, talk about them.
3. Say something like: “I bet even when you’re feeling disappointed there are good things happening in your life, too. Let’s name three good things together.”

Tips for naming three good things:

1. Remind your child that the point of this game isn’tto pretend they’re not upset when they feel upset. It’s to remember that they can feel two things at once: they can feel grateful for good things while feeling sad, hurt, or disappointed by challenges.
2. If children or teens have trouble thinking of three good things on their own, brainstorm and help them discover some.
3. When kids understand that this game is not about sweeping their feelings under the rug, the phrase “three good things” can become a playful and humorous response to the minor gripes that show up in family life.
4. Parents can encourage kids to remind them to name Three Good Things when they’re stuck on a trivial disappointment or minor annoyance, too.

To develop a habit of thankfulness, play Three Good Things around the dinner table, before bedtime, and at other times when the family is together.

April 13, 2021

We “practice” mindfulness so we can learn how to recognize when our minds are doing their normal everyday acrobatics, and maybe take a pause from that for just a little while so we can choose what we’d like to focus on. https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/

April 6, 2021

A Basic Meditation for Beginners - https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/

1. Get comfortable and prepare to sit still for a few minutes.After you stop reading this, you’re going to simply focus on your own natural inhaling and exhaling of breath.
2. Focus on your breath.Where do you feel your breath most? In your belly? In your nose? Try to keep your attention on your inhale and exhale.
3. Follow your breath for two minutes. Take a deep inhale, expanding your belly, and then exhale slowly, elongating the out-breath as your belly contracts.

March 23, 2021

In mindfulness practice, we are learning how to return to, and remain in, the present moment—to anchor ourselves in the here and now on purpose, without judgment. https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/

March 16, 2021

WHY LEARN TO MEDITATE? Here are five reasons to meditate: 1: Understand your pain, 2: Lower your stress, 3: Connect better, 4: Improve focus, 5: Reduce brain chatter. https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/

March 9, 2021

Looking for mindfulness practices for student to do at home? Visit - https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-for-kids/#meditation

March 2, 2021

Make a glitter jar to encourage children to tune into their senses. For guidance on creating a jar at home visit - https://www.mindful.org/how-to-create-a-glitter-jar-for-kids/

February 23, 2021

Community Care Services provides outpatient mental health treatment for children, teens and adults through Telehealth. You may visit comcareserv.org/ or call 313-389-7500 to schedule an appointment.

February 9, 2021

Create a routine and schedule at home. Read books with your child out loud and choose topics you both will enjoy. Take time for active play inside and outside (if the weather is decent). Also, keep an eye on media time from playing video games, watching YouTube videos, and monitoring social media activity. For great tips for the young parent, visit https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/schools-closed-how-to-make-a-new-home-routine

February 2, 2021

Be sure to work self-care during COVID-19 into your daily routine: Recognize and Validate Grief, Stay in the Present, Separate Out What You Can and Cannot Control, Notice and Manage your Worried Thoughts, Pay Attention to Joy, Find the Right Balance of Structure and Flexibility, Get Active, and Invest in Social Connectedness. More info at https://storage.trailstowellness.org/trails-2/covid-19-resources/self-care-during-covid-19-for-everyone.pdf

January 25, 2021

Need help talking to your kids about COVID-19? Emphasize simple things your family can do to be “germ busters” — for all types of germs that are out there! More info at https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus

January 19, 2021

Need help talking to your kids about COVID-19? First, share age-appropriate facts and correct misinformation. Second, reassure them that they are safe, which is the most important message kids can hear from parents. More info at https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus