Therapeutic Tools

Here’s an activity that’s cheaper than school supplies…and I promise it’ll last a whole lot longer! It’s so easy for us to focus on what our kids might worry about this school year—making friends, liking their teacher, or struggling with something new.

But what if we sent them to school carrying confidence instead of our worries?

Have your child draw a picture of themselves and decorate it however they want. Then, around their picture, add positive “I AM” statements using the letters in their name.

For example, DANA:✨ I am Daring✨ I am Amazing✨ I am Nice✨ I am Adventurous

Have them read their “I AM” statements every morning before school. It takes less than a minute, but it’s a simple way to remind them who they are before someone tells them who they are not.

And then…post a picture of their masterpiece in our group chat! Let’s fill the group with…

Back-to-school shopping can bring excitement, but it can also bring big emotions, disagreements, and stress—for both parents and kids. These trauma-informed scripts are here to give you simple, practical words to use in those challenging moments so you can stay connected while still holding healthy boundaries.

Script 1: The Clothing Item You Don't Approve Of

Parent: "I can tell you really like this shirt. But I am not comfortable buying this. I know that's disappointing."

Pause and allow emotion.

"Let's keep looking together and see if we can find something that gives you the same style while staying within the boundaries I'm responsible for."

I wanted to share a simple resource for building connection at home. Inspired by themes from The Connected Child, this free handout includes practical, everyday activities to help strengthen trust, emotional connection, resilience, and healing.

These ideas are simple enough to try during your regular routines, and even small moments of connection can make a meaningful difference.

Download the free handout here: https://ab27fd21-1cce-483f-b778-33ea139a5466.usrfiles.com/ugd/ab27fd_1dac0e136fb14d709fabb25c081f1f96.pdf