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Info@HeartHealing.org

253 . 651 . 3752

Helping people bring structure and calm to chaos

Deanne Carter, LMHC​

Info@HeartHealing.org

253 . 651 . 3752

Helping people bring structure and calm to chaos

Deanne Carter, LMHC​

Relaxation Tools for kids.jpg

Relaxation Tools for Kids

©2010 Deanne Carter, LMHC, NCC

1. Mindfulness:

to increase awareness of thoughts, emotions, or physical body sensations that come before the symptoms of stress. Helps get to the root of the problem.
 

  • Everyday Blessings: The inner work of mindful parenting, Myla Kabat-Zinn and Jon Kabat-Zinn

  • Each Breath A Smile, Thi Hop and Dong
     

2. Positive Thinking:

thought tracking to free from negative thinking.
 

  • Mind Coach, Dr. Daniel Amen

  • You Are Not Your Thoughts, Brian Despard

  • The Kid's Guide To Social Action: How To Solve The Social Problems You Choose--And Turn Creative Thinking Into Positive Action, Barbara A. Lewis

  • The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience, Martin Seligman

3. Books that build skills and inspire.
 

  • Don’t Pop Your Cork on Mondays, Adolph Moser (series)

  • What to do when… (worry, sleep problems, anger, negativity, etc), Dawn Huebner (series)

  • Facing Fear Without Freaking Out, Trevor Romain (series)

  • I Believe in Me: A Book of Affirmations, Connie Brown

  • Let's Be Friends: A Workbook to Help Kids Learn Social Skills & Make Great Friends by Lawrence E. Shapiro

  • Raise Your Child’s Social IQ, Cathi Cohen

  • Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child: The Heart of Parenting, John Gottman

4. Create relaxation rituals:

Ex. Bedtime bath, soft blanket, affirmations book or write one thing you are grateful of today, lavender pillow, music, etc.
 

  • Indigo Dreams: Relaxation and Stress Management Bedtime Stories for Children, Improve Sleep, Manage Stress and Anxiety by Lori Lite

  • The Most Soothing Lullabies in the Universe CD

  • Starbright: Meditations for Children, Maureen Garth

  • The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids: Help for Children to Cope with Stress, Anxiety & Transitions, Lawrence Shapiro

5. Give kids tools for expression of emotions:

Ex. anger – you may scream in a pillow, hit a pillow while you are in your room, stomp on the basement floor, squeeze/release your feet or your whole body, dance, take deep breathes; sad – ask for a hug, pet the dog, snuggle your blanket, draw, write, talk
 

  • Building Emotional Intelligence: Techniques to Cultivate Inner Strength in Children, Linda Lantieri and Daniel Goleman

  • Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child The Heart of Parenting, Ph.D. John Gottman, Joan Declaire and Daniel Goleman

  • Don’t Rant & Rave on Wednesdays, Adolph Moser (series)

6. Yoga Awareness /Physical Release of Stress

Ex. anger – you may scream in a pillow, hit a pillow while you are in your room, stomp on the basement floor, squeeze/release your feet or your whole body, dance, take deep breathes; sad – ask for a hug, pet the dog, snuggle your blanket, draw, write, talk
 

  • Yoga Calm for Children: Educating Heart, Mind, and Body, Lynea and Jim Gillen

  • Storyland Yoga: Interactive Family Fun (ages 3 to 8), Ahmed Fahmy

  • Thera-Flex Therapy Putty - 1 lb by Thera-Flex

7. Relaxation CDs:

teaching self-soothing to reduce the need for movement/chatter to soothe, or adrenaline rushing activities like pushing people’s buttons.
 

  • Rainbows and Sunshine, Airy Melody Music (ages 6-11)

  • Indigo Ocean Dreams: 4 Children's Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, Anger and Anxiety while Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness

I help couples stop fighting and start communicating.

If you are ready to clearly communicate and connect with passion,

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