Debunking the Biggest Myths About Self-Confidence (What Kids Really Need to Know)
Self-confidence is often talked about as if it’s something students either have or don’t have. In reality, self-confidence is a skill that can be taught, practiced, and strengthened over time. Unfortunately, many students (and adults) believe myths about confidence that actually undermine resilience, risk-taking, and growth. Elementary school counselors are uniquely positioned to help students…
Growing Hopeful Minds: How to Teach Optimism and Resilience
Optimism is a powerful life skill that helps children face challenges with confidence and persistence. For elementary school counselors, teaching optimism is not about encouraging constant positivity—it is about helping students believe that challenges can be managed and that What Is Optimism? Optimism is the ability to expect positive outcomes while recognizing that challenges and…
From “I Can’t” to “I’ll Try Again”: Growing Perseverance and Resilience
Perseverance is the engine that drives resilience. When elementary students learn to keep going when something is hard, confusing, or doesn’t work the first time, they are building lifelong skills that extend far beyond academics. As elementary school counselors, you are uniquely positioned to teach, model, and reinforce perseverance as part of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)…
Unlocking Resilience: How Curiosity Builds Stronger, Braver Elementary Students
For elementary school counselors, teaching resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks. It’s about equipping students with the skills that make problem-solving possible. One of the most overlooked components of resilience is curiosity. What Is Curiosity? Curiosity is a mindset of wanting to know, explore, and understand. It’s the drive to ask questions, investigate…
Teaching 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…
Box 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…
Self-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…
How 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…
Boosting Self-Confidence in Children: School Counselor Strategies That Strengthen Resilience
Self-confidence is a cornerstone of emotional well-being, academic success, and lifelong resilience. For elementary school counselors, intentionally teaching and reinforcing self-confidence is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Students who feel capable, valued, and able to take on challenges are more prepared to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through frustration, and believe in their potential. What Is…
What People Say About The Wyatt Books
kind words from educators, parents, and kids!
"Going to kindergarten is a milestone for everyone and the beginning of the year is usually filled with excitement and angst. Wyatt the Wonder Dog addresses the typical concerns that most children have in a sweet and relatable way. Kindergarten really is fun!"
"Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Teamwork is another great example of helping kids improve their social skills. It teaches kids the power of working together and how much better we are when we work as a community"
"[Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Mindset] This book is funny! It's dogs doing things that only people do! I learned to try new things."
Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Giving is a delightful book that teaches kids (and reminds adults, as well) that generosity is possible no matter how old, young, rich or poor we are. This is a powerful message and an engaging story that every child will love.
~Jen McDonough, author of Living Beyond Rich
Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Friendship teaches not only friendship and making connections, but also how to become successful at problem solving. Great for school counselors, teachers and families. Bravo!
Sharissa Shatten~ School Counselor
Feeling left out? Need help getting along with friends? Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Cooperation weaves important life skills into engaging story telling. Join Wyatt as he learns how to be the superhero in his group of friends by using cooperation and compromise.
~MaryFrances Gonzalez MACCCSLP
Have you ever had a friend that did some things that you disagreed with? Wyatt does and he doesn't know what to do about it. Join Wyatt as he learns that being honest with his friend is the best and only way to solve the problem. A great story!
~Lynn Hughes M.Ed. school counselor
If you've ever lost your lunch money or misplaced your favorite toy, you can relate to Wyatt the Wonder Dog. This adorable story offers simple, helpful ideas that kids and parents can use to make life less stressful and more fun!
~Erin K. Casey, author
