“That’s Not Fair!” and Other Ploys: Turning Student Pushback Into Positive Growth

By Lynne Watts
Portrait of boy, hear no evil, grey background

As elementary school counselors, we often encounter familiar phrases that students use as emotional shields, attempts to avoid accountability, or ways to test boundaries. These “ploys” may seem like resistance, but they’re actually great teaching moments. Here’s how to respond to five common student ploys with empathy, clarity, and growth-focused strategies. “It’s Not Fair.” What…

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Fail Forward: Helping Kids Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones

By Lynne Watts

In a world of high expectations and pressure to perform, even young students can feel overwhelmed by the ideas of success and failure. As school counselors, we play a crucial role in guiding them to understand that failure isn’t the end of the story—it’s often the beginning. When framed correctly, setbacks can become powerful springboards…

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Calm in the Chaos: Strategies for Supporting an Upset Student

By Lynne Watts
mom and son

Whether it’s a playground conflict, academic frustration, or something happening at home, elementary students can get upset for many reasons—and those emotions often show up suddenly and intensely. As a school counselor, your approach in those fragile moments can make all the difference. With the right strategies, you can build trust, de-escalate big feelings, and…

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Goals That Fit: Helping Elementary Students Set Goals Based on Their Temperament Style

By Lynne Watts
goal setting

Goal setting is a vital life skill that empowers elementary students to envision their future and take actionable steps toward success. However, the process isn’t one-size-fits-all. Recognizing a child’s unique temperament style can make goal setting more personalized and effective. This blog explores the intersection of temperament and goal setting, offering insights for school counselors…

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