resilience
Change Happens: Teaching Elementary Students How to Adapt With Confidence
Change is a natural and unavoidable part of life—and for elementary students, change happens more often than adults realize. New classrooms, shifting friendships, family changes, and growing responsibilities can feel overwhelming without guidance. Elementary school counselors play a critical role in helping students understand that change is not something to fear, but something they can…
Read MoreGrowing 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. What Is Optimism? Optimism is the ability to expect positive outcomes while recognizing that challenges and setbacks are…
Read MoreResilience: Helping Students Thrive Through Challenges
What does a student do when faced with a challenging situation? Give Up Find an adult to fix the problem Attempt to solve the problem Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, adapt to difficult situations, and keep going in the face of adversity. For elementary-aged students, resilience might look like staying calm…
Read MoreCommon Symptoms of Trauma and What to Do About It
Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD in children is crucial for early intervention. Symptoms may vary depending on the child’s age and the nature of the trauma, but some common signs include: Re-experiencing the Trauma: The child may have nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event. Avoidance: The child may avoid places, people,…
Read MoreKids and the Healing Power of Nature
What if a walk in a green environment could rewire brains, calm anxiety, and stave off mental health problems? I don’t have to tell you that mental health concerns among children is at an all time high. From academic stress to social pressures and familial issues, the weight of these challenges can be overwhelming. Additionally,…
Read MoreHow to Raise Responsible, Self-Reliant Children
Helping Kids Develop a Can Do Attitude I often hear teachers and parents alike lament that the students today have little intrinsic motivation and initiative. Certainly as a school counselor, I often presented lessons on being responsible. When asked what it means to be responsible, children usually have a good idea. They would identify tasks like…
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