Sarah Drake’s Therapeutic Play Therapy

09/11/2025

Emotions can be a lot for all humans, not just children. The info below is from Joshua Freedman with www.6seconds.org and it is excellent!

Here’s a map from short-term comfort to long-term growth:

*** Quick Help ***
Research and experience says these are helpful, but only for a short time. Long time below ⬇️

DISTRACTING — Temporarily shift your mood by shifting attention.
• Focus on an intriguing topic
• Listen to music or a podcast
• Do something small and fun

SOOTHING — Calm your nervous system to make space.
• Breathe deeply
• Have a treat or a bath
• Offer yourself warmth & care

REFRAMING — Start to change the story around the feeling or situation.
• Ask: What else could be true?
• Look for humor or learning
• What is the good in this?

➡️ If you find yourself overusing the ones above, or they're no longer working, that's a valuable message that it's time to do more of the ones below.

••• Longer-Term •••
These take more work, and time, and when distressed these are harder to access... but a big part of emotional intelligence is figuring out WHEN to do this kind of deeper work, and getting support (for example an EQ Coach is a great ally for this, or bring this wheel to a therapist/counselor!)

ACCEPTING — Stop fighting the feelings open up to the messages
• Name the emotion clearly
• Remember all feelings have value
• Ask your emotion what it wants

HARNESSING — Get the insight and energy in the emotions (even the tough ones).
• What’s the message for you?
• What growth does this motivate?
• What is this feeling showing me?

SHIFTING** — Move from the immediate moment to what’s next.
• Ask: What else am I feeling?
• Ask: What do I want in the long term?
• Find value in the journey

** Warning: if you try to go to this one too soon, it won't work. Only step toward the future after doing the other two

🔑 💡💡
1. Use the right emotion-strategy for the situation
2. Every emotion has intelligence inside it — if we listen long enough to learn from it.
3. You have options.

Thanks and Credit to Joshua Freedman, www.6seconds.org ❤️

09/11/2025

Good morning! I hope you are having a great morning!

Positive Affirmations For Parents

Could you add anything to this list?

I get better everyday
I am capable
I deserve happiness
I have the courage
I am proud of myself
I love myself
I am healthy
I make a difference
I am confident
I forgive myself
I choose to be positive
I deserve love
I trust myself
I am grateful
I am enough
I am in control
I am strong
I can get through this

To learn more about Sensory Processing Disorder, our website is full of information and resources. sensoryprocessingdisorderparentsupport.com

09/11/2025

Whining is a sign of powerlessness ❤️

Like adults, childrens' moods ebb and flow but can sometimes get stuck. Whining is a bit like the needle on a record player getting stuck on the same part of the track. When this happens your child needs some help.

The music the child really wants is the harmony of connection with their parent or carer. That connection may have been interrupted, even briefly, by something that needed attending to such as answering the doorbell or feeding the dog.

When these connection-disruptions happen and the child feels most vulnerable they can easily believe they are alone and powerless to change the world around them. That’s why on the surface it looks like they are trying to control the world around them.

Read more in the link in the comments.

09/11/2025

09/11/2025

A meltdown isn’t a child 'losing control' on purpose.
It’s the nervous system moving into overwhelm — often because things have felt too loud, too fast, too uncertain, or too much for too long.

When we understand the phases of a meltdown, we can respond with care rather than correction.
We can spot the early signs.
We can keep connection safe.
We can help a child return to calm without shame.

Today we’re exploring the Timeline of a Meltdown— what’s happening in the brain and body, what it looks like, and how we can support at each stage. Visuals for parents/educators and child voice style for young people. For more support, see our Timeline of a Meltdown Resource Pack – link in comments below ⬇️ or Linktree Shop in Bio.

31/10/2025

It’s not hard brain science for us to understand as parents— but It is hard to live by.
This e-book will help (see link).
And remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.
Plus, if you are still reading this, it’s already 98.6% guaranteed that you are a rock star.
Because, clearly, you care.
And that is half the battle when it comes to breaking generational cycles.
Connection before correction.
Or better yet, re-direction.
This free positive parenting ebook will get you started. 💚

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1138/3648/files/14_Parenting_Phrases_Not_To_Say.pdf

31/10/2025

Students often experience strong emotions they can’t yet name or control. These scripts help teachers use language that validates feelings, models emotional vocabulary, and guides students toward calm, safe, and adaptive responses.

31/10/2025

A sensory meltdown isn’t bad behaviour — it’s a sign of distress.
When the world feels too loud, too bright, too much,
a child’s nervous system can go into overload.

They’re not choosing it.
They’re experiencing it.

Understanding what’s really happening helps us respond with empathy,
not punishment — and to create environments where children feel safe to recover.

For deeper guidance and practical tools, explore our Managing Big Feelings Toolkit at link in comments ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

31/10/2025

When a child’s emotional brain takes over, logic and reason switch off — and connection becomes the bridge back to calm.

These phrases don’t fix the feeling; they regulate the brain behind it.
Save this as part of your calm-down toolkit and share with anyone who supports children through big emotions.

You can find more brain-based strategies like this in The Child Brain Toolkit — download from The Contented Child via link in comments or Linktree Store in Bio.

31/10/2025

Comment 300 and I'll send you the link!

Roller coaster rides. Hawk hugs. Hot cocoa breaths. ☕🎢
These fun breathing exercises are just a glimpse of the 300+ tips, tricks, and tools inside our Behavior Survival Toolkit—perfect for creating calmer, more focused classrooms!

If you want the link just type "300" below!