Linda Archibald, LMSW

12/22/2025

May we all keep putting one step forward, trusting and focusing on the good ahead. 🤍

12/11/2025

😃Thank you Positive Behavior Supports Corp. -East Michigan!

💻Check out their website to see how they can help you and your family! Their mission is to ‘Create a responsive system that applies the principles of PBS to meet the needs of individuals, families and organizations we serve to produce quality of life changes that last.’

https://www.teampbs.com/contactUsF.aspx?Region=MI

12/04/2025

💞 A gentle nudge to keep going.

12/04/2025

Helping Your Child Manage Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal part of childhood, but it can feel overwhelming for both children and parents. The first step in helping your child manage anxiety is to validate their feelings. Saying things like, “It’s okay to feel nervous, I’m here with you,” helps them know their emotions are safe and understood.

Teaching coping strategies gives children tools to regulate their nervous system. Deep breathing, counting slowly, or visualizing a calm place can help them feel grounded. Encourage small, manageable steps toward facing fears, celebrating each success along the way. Predictable routines and clear expectations provide a sense of safety, reducing anxiety triggers.

Model calm behavior yourself — children learn emotional regulation by watching the adults around them. Offer opportunities to talk about worries, but avoid pushing them to share before they’re ready. Physical activity, creative outlets, and mindfulness exercises also support emotional regulation.

Remember, managing anxiety is a skill that develops over time. Your empathy, patience, and consistent support give your child the foundation to feel confident, resilient, and capable of navigating their emotions.

12/02/2025

Here’s a December Mental Health Self-Care List — warm, simple, cozy ideas to help you feel grounded during a busy month:

🌟 December Self-Care Ideas

1. Set 3 gentle goals for the month-
Nothing overwhelming—just small things you can realistically do.

2. Create a “winter wind-down” bedtime routine-
Hot tea, dim lights, quiet music, 10 minutes of reading.

3. Do one thing each week that brings you joy-
Baking, crafting, watching holiday movies, walking through lights.

4. Schedule a day of rest-
Literally put REST in your calendar.

5. Try a 10-minute morning stretch-
Helps shake off holiday stress.

6. Limit overcommitting-
It’s okay to say no—protect your energy.

7. Practice a gratitude snapshot-
Write down one good moment from each day.

8. Spend time outside, even if it’s cold-
Fresh air + winter sun = mood booster.

9. Declutter one small space-
A drawer, your car, your inbox…mental clarity follows.

10. Hydrate more than usual-
Dry winter air can affect mood and energy.

11. Do a digital holiday detox-
One evening with your phone on “Do Not Disturb.”

12. Check in on your emotional needs-
Ask: What do I need today…rest, connection, quiet, movement?

13. Treat yourself with kindness-
Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a friend.

14. Create a comfort playlist-
Songs that calm your nervous system.

15. Plan something to look forward to in January-
A reset day, a small outing, or a project you’re excited about.

Take Care!🤍

11/27/2025

Keeping the younger crowd engaged and talking about feelings means meeting them right where they are at…one story, one laugh at a time. 😂

11/22/2025

Morning Routines That Ease School Anxiety (for all year-round)

Mornings can be one of the toughest times for children who experience anxiety about going to school. A predictable, gentle routine helps their nervous system feel safe and grounded before the day even begins. Start by waking your child with calm energy—soft light, a quiet voice, or a warm hug can signal safety right away. Give them enough time to move slowly without feeling rushed, which is a major anxiety trigger.

Offer simple choices like, “Do you want the blue shirt or the green one?” to give them a sense of control. Build in connection moments—five minutes of snuggling, reading together, or chatting while they eat breakfast. These small pockets of closeness help reduce stress and build confidence.

Use visual schedules or picture charts so they know what’s coming next and don’t have to guess. Practice a goodbye routine that stays the same each day, like a special handshake, hug pattern, or phrase. Validate their feelings by saying, “It’s okay to feel nervous. I’m right here, and you can do hard things.”

A calm, consistent morning doesn’t just get them to school—it teaches them how to regulate their emotions and trust in the stability of their world.

11/20/2025

11/18/2025

One thing about the upcoming holidays that can be overwhelming to me is the clutter! Between my busy work schedule my personal goal is decrease clutter in my home.
De-cluttering often gets pushed to the bottom of the list, buried under the daily routines of work, school events, meal prep, cleaning, tidying, and making time for exercise. But a little progress each day can make a big difference.
💡Here is a quick hack to make it a quick part of your weekly routine.
📦Every time a box gets delivered to your door empty it and fill it with things that you can donate and then put it directly in your car, and take it to a donation center/bin near you.
It is SO EASY and a start to keeping a clutter-free home. Plus you won’t have to deconstruct/recycle all of the boxes since you can use them for donations.

Benefits of decluttering for mental health:
* Reduces stress and anxiety
* Improves focus and productivity
* Boosts mood and feeling of accomplishment
* Enhances sleep quality
* Improves relationships

11/03/2025

Nature is Therapy!🍂
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson