Welcome to my blog!

Isn't it amazing what technology has brought us!  A way to reach and learn from millions of people across the world.  I am new to blogging but have subscribed to quite a few.  I'll do my best to keep things current and up to date and might makes some mistakes along the way but that is how we learn, right?!

I've shared several links to excellent articles I have found that cover common questions I am asked as an Elementary School Counselor.

Friends, Friends, Friends

Believe it- friendship issues are starting earlier than when we were kids.  I think the limits our children have on their freedom to explore on their own and problem solve has led to not knowing how to solve simple problems.  Today kids do not hear "be back for lunch" or "come home when it gets dark out."  Gone are the days when you were gone all day and moms and dads had a general idea of where you were and who you were with.  In today's world children can't go to the park on their own so we need to provide opportunities for them to learn to solve problems and make decisions on their own.  Having these opportunities will help now in friendship skills and in the future as they grow.

how-to-help-your-kids-make-friends Today's Parent.com

help-your-child-make-friends Green Child Magazine

no-one-will-play-with-me- from Childhood 101.com

10 Tips to help kids get along Kids Activities Blog

Spending quality time with your children
Tips on creating individual time for each child  From the Educators Spin on it:  


Are you spending individual time with each one of your children?  Who has the time- you are probably asking.  More often than not behaviors can arise at home or school when children are missing that special 1:1 time with you.  15-20 minutes of child directed fun a day- besides bed time is all it takes.  Why not tie a child's rewards into time with you instead of giving them money or toys, try spending special time alone with just them.  Here is a link to an article with more ideas.


Relax Kids
Help your child learn to relax with this free 21 day plan from Relax kids.  Includes daily exercises to help children relax and find their "peace place."
Relaxation