Posts by Lynne Watts
A Surprising and Simple Way to Treat Anxiety and Depression
Mental health issues and especially depression and anxiety are at an all time high among young people. One of the impacts of Covid for many schools has been an increased number of students who are too anxious to even come to school, never mind to put forth their best effort at academics. School counselors are…
Read MoreHarnessing the Healing Power of Mandalas: Calming Elementary School Minds
Finding moments of calm and serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of daily school life is essential both for students and educators. One powerful tool that has gained recognition for its ability to promote relaxation and alleviate stress is the simple act of coloring mandalas. The Therapeutic Benefits of Mandalas: Mandalas, derived from the Sanskrit…
Read MoreThree Ways to Tackle Anxiety Among Children
The Anxiety Epidemic There is no question that anxiety among children (and adults for that matter) is on the rise. When I first began school counseling over 20+ years ago it was rare to have a child referred for anxiety. By the time I left the field, I was running a regular group for students…
Read MoreTaming the Tension: Helping Kids Navigate Stress and Anxiety
Stress is something everyone experiences, and yes, even elementary school students. While stress can be a natural response to challenges, when it becomes overwhelming, it can interfere with a child’s learning, social life, and emotional well-being. As school counselors, we can help students understand the role stress plays in their lives and equip them with…
Read MoreSeven Secrets to Teach Kids How to Cooperate
Cooperation is a critical social skill Most parents and teachers would agree that cooperation is a critical skill for life success that requires communication, empathy and respect. Even young children can begin to learn simple ways to cooperate. Learning to use teamwork at home and in the classroom will eventually serve children well as adults.…
Read More5 Steps to Change Negative Feelings
All of our emotions are feelings in our body that we create based on our thoughts. This is true of positive and negative feelings. Sometimes these thoughts are so ingrained that they are practically unconscious. Sometimes they are either so common in society or in our minds that we accept them without question as the…
Read More