https://youtu.be/1Nh0n2LcU7I?si=YLhGiTjXIim5rk5J

Sometimes children struggle to put their emotions into words. Feelings like fear, sadness, anger, or even confusion can be hard to express—especially when they feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. That’s where a little creativity can make a big difference!

Making sock puppets is a simple and playful way to help children share what’s going on inside. When a child speaks through a puppet, it creates a sense of safety and distance, allowing them to express thoughts and emotions they might not feel comfortable saying directly.

Why sock puppets work:

• Encourages emotional expression in a non-threatening way

You’re never,ever alone.

Nothing takes Him by surprise.

When you’re weak, HE is STRONG.

He’s the God of new beginnings.

His love never gives up on us.

I will be your God throughout your lifetime…I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. ~ Isaiah 46:4

I came up with a way to remember how to manage stress DAILY because coping tools are not as effective as daily habits. Manage your time and prioritize your tasks and commitments is essential to reducing stress!!!

STRESS is a wholistic guide to managing stress.

Sleep Hygiene.  Sleep is like a reset button for your brain and body. When you sleep well, your mind can process emotions, your body can repair itself, and your stress levels naturally go down. Without enough rest, everything feels harder—your mood, your focus, and your ability to stay calm. That’s why sleep is one of the most important tools for managing stress and staying emotionally healthy.

Talk it Out. When you put your feelings into words, it helps your brain make sense of them-and often feel less overwhelmed.  Sharing with someone who listens gives you support, new perspective, and reminds you that you’re not alone. 

Relax…

When kids go through hard things, they don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling— Two books I often use in the counseling room are Something Sad Happened and Something Scary Happened. These are part of the “What to Do When…” series, and they gently help children begin to make sense of big emotions that can feel overwhelming. One of the reasons I love these books is because they center choice and consent. As we read, children are invited—not forced—to connect with the story. They get to decide: This matters so much. In counseling, consent isn’t just about permission—it’s about giving children a sense of safety and control over their own story. And when kids feel safe, they begin to open up. These books create a gentle doorway for children to:

✨ Identify experiences that felt sad or scary ✨ Put words to feelings they may not fully…

When kids go through hard things, they don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling—

Two books I often use in the counseling room are Something Sad Happened and Something Scary Happened. These are part of the “What to Do When…” series, and they gently help children begin to make sense of big emotions that can feel overwhelming.

One of the reasons I love these books is because they center choice and consent. As we read, children are invited—not forced—to connect with the story. They get to decide:

• “Does this feel like me?”

This is very interesting and helps us understand why play is not just something to do in our spare time but something that is necessary for our children’s development.

Very few of the neurons in the upper brain (our cortex) are connected at birth; it takes activation from the environment to create connections.  Play is a way to establish new connections; it primes the cortex for the development of the neural pathways that create our physical, social-emotional and cognitive capabilities.  Play literally WIRES THE BRAIN for the skills we use our whole lifetime- physical agility, social confidence, emotional regulation, creativity, and resilience. 

I’d love to share these digital flyers for my upcoming virtual trauma-informed parenting workshops. I offer monthly Wednesday sessions and quarterly Saturday workshops for foster/adoptive parents and for parents not involved in foster or adoptive care. Each flyer includes clickable links and a QR code to register.

Wednesday Workshops

Saturday Workshops

For foster/adoptive parents (held quarterly on Saturdays)

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