Posts by Lynne Watts
Anger Has a Message: Learning to Listen
Why is it that some kids just seem angry all the time? And what is the best way to handle the emotion of anger? It is first important to understand what anger is and why as humans we may have developed it. One theory is that anger is one of the basic six emotions that…
Read MoreAnger: Let It Go or Problem Solve?
In a previous post, I discussed anger and how it interacts with the brain. If kids are not tuned in to anger, its cause, and their choices, then anger can come out sideways. This is what happens when kids “flip their lid” or allow the reptilian brain to take charge over the more modern brain.…
Read MoreTeaching Integrity: A Key to Building Resilience and Strong Character
Integrity is more than telling the truth. Integrity is doing the right thing—especially when no one is watching—because it aligns with who you are and what you value. It includes honesty, responsibility, fairness, and consistency in actions and words. How Integrity Builds Resilience Integrity strengthens resilience by: Offering students a stable inner compass when facing…
Read MoreBox Breathing for Kids: A Stress-Relief Strategy Every Elementary School Counselor Should Use
Box breathing—also known as square breathing—is a simple, structured deep breathing technique designed to calm the nervous system and improve emotional regulation. It involves four equal steps: Inhale for 4 counts → Hold for 4 counts → Exhale for 4 counts → Hold for 4 counts Repeat this pattern for 4–6 cycles to help the…
Read MoreSelf-Control & Resilience: Strategies Every Elementary School Counselor Should Use
Self-control is the ability to manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to make choices that align with goals rather than impulses. For elementary school students, self-control looks like waiting a turn, managing frustration, staying focused when distracted, pausing before reacting, and practicing patience even when things feel hard. How Self-Control Supports Resilience Resilience is…
Read MoreHow Empathy Builds Resilience: Practical Strategies for Elementary School Counselors
Empathy is the ability to understand, connect with, and respond to the feelings of others. It goes beyond sympathy or “feeling sorry for someone”—it’s the skill of recognizing someone else’s emotional experience and responding with compassion, support, or thoughtful action. In the context of elementary school counseling and social-emotional learning, empathy is foundational. It strengthens…
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