Ula Sky

03/01/2025

10/14/2024

No one likes to be told that they did something wrong, but for kids with mental health or learning challenges, receiving criticism can feel particularly painful.

It’s not that criticism is a bad thing. Learning from mistakes, missteps, or misunderstandings is an important part of life. But for some kids, intense emotions can drown out what is actually being said.

Here's how caregivers can help kids deal with criticism from others, and constructively deliver feedback:
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-deal-with-criticism/

10/12/2024

Resisting pain and negative emotions often exacerbates the issue in the long term, rather than alleviating it. Attempts to eliminate discomfort can paradoxically create more. Pain is an inherent aspect of life, and while suffering can be managed, resistance to it substantially intensifies distress. By reframing personal struggles, individuals can transform them into victories. As Allen Ginsberg astutely observed, 'The suffering itself is not so bad; it’s the resentment against suffering that is the real pain.'

It is logical and reasonable that, despite acknowledging suffering, we strive to mitigate it. Reflect on the factors that contribute to your distress and the underlying reasons. Self-compassion is rooted in acceptance, which inherently opposes resistance. By acknowledging and permitting pain, rather than rejecting or avoiding it, we facilitate healing. Our guiding principle, 'what we feel, we can heal,' underscores the significance of acceptance in the present moment, naturally precipitating transformation. When we confront fear, anxiety, or pain with an openness to acceptance, rather than solely focusing on reduction, we often achieve the most effective and lasting alleviation of suffering.

08/11/2024

There are many warning signs that may indicate that someone is affected by bullying—either being bullied or bullying others.

Recognizing the warning signs is an important 1st step in taking action to . stopbullying.gov/bullying/warning-signs

08/09/2024

Experts have found that giving kids positive rather than negative attention is much more effective in changing behavior. Research shows that praise for behavior you want to encourage gets more results than calling out things you want them to stop doing.

This is because your attention is so powerful that they will do whatever behavior you pay more attention to, even if you’re telling them to stop.

There are lots of ways to give your child positive attention: praise, hugs, high fives, rewards.

The most important thing is to be specific when you praise them. Instead of saying “great job,” explain what they are doing well:
“I love how you are sharing your crayons with your sister.”
When kids know you appreciate what they’re doing, they will feel good and be more likely to do it again.

When kids do something you don’t want, ignore their behavior unless it’s unsafe for themselves or others. This lets them know that they don’t get attention for acting out.

As soon as they start to calm down, give them attention. Later, you can talk about what went wrong and make a plan for handling situations that are difficult for them. The trick is to avoid giving them attention in the moment.

This strategy may not work right away, but with some practice, the child will learn that acting out doesn’t get them attention. If their behavior doesn’t change over time, a mental health provider can help.

Another thing that can be helpful in the long run is carving out even just 10 minutes a day of check-in time. During this time, a parent can give their child undivided attention doing an activity they enjoy, whether it’s playing a card game, doing a puzzle, building with LEGOs or making some art. When kids don’t receive positive attention, they’re more likely to seek attention in other ways.

Beyond addressing behavior, utilizing positive attention can create a stronger bond with your child. What we know about children’s mental health in general is that having a positive relationship with any adult — whether it’s a parent, a grandparent, a caregiver, or someone in the community — is an overall protective factor against other mental health disorders or symptoms.

Read the full article and find more resources for managing behavior here:
https://childmind.org/article/the-power-of-positive-attention/

07/16/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1puLWfjDAP8Ak6XM/?mibextid=xfxF2i

06/22/2024

Many can experience emotional distress, like anxiety, constant worrying & trouble sleeping, after a traumatic event.

💙 If you or someone you know is struggling with , help is available: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder

05/01/2024

Counseling Awareness Month celebrates the counseling profession as well as the individuals who do this important work. ACA member Monica P. Band, owner of Mindful Healing Counseling Services in Washington, D.C., rests her therapeutic and advocacy work at the intersection of mental health and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

https://www.counseling.org/cam

05/01/2024

It's us! We're so grateful you're here. 💙

📸: on Instagram

05/01/2024

The April NCTSN Spotlight is now available! The in month's Spotlight highlights NCTSN resources to help understand the connection between trauma and substance abuse. View it here: https://bit.ly/4a01yBb

04/06/2024

https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/Tools/Interactive-worksheets-and-more/Stay-in-control/Recovering-From-drinking-Episode.aspx

Nine practical tips for recovering from a drinking episode when your goal is to quit.