Glovinsky Center for the Child and Family

09/15/2021

Don't forget about the power of those therapeutic moments.

Via Josh Varner

09/08/2021

There's been a lot of attention on learning loss, but framing student learning that way is a deficit perspective. If students see adults in their lives recognizing the ways they have grown, it communicates to kids that they're resilient. http://ow.ly/KFbJ50G3osC

Via MindShift

08/24/2021

"Children develop at different stages - even my own daughters reached milestones at different times. Even so, this guide can be helpful to reassure new parents and give them an idea of what to expect:" https://bit.ly/3f0iVrN

Hat Tip: AAA State of Play

08/14/2021

"Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving. It’s how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful."
Hat Tip: SimplyFun

07/25/2021

Reframe your perspective to support resilience says Mona Delahooke, Ph.D.

07/25/2021

As Mona Delahooke, Ph.D. points out, the education system needs a shift away from "the child is choosing to misbehave...".

07/23/2021

Some autism parents and advocates find fault with the most common skill-building therapy for children with autism. Here are both sides of the argument.

07/22/2021

“Play may be an effective antidote to the changes in amygdala size, impulsivity, aggression, and uncontrolled emotion that result from significant childhood adversity and toxic stress.” — The American Academy of Pediatrics “The Power of Play” clinical report

H/T: AAA State of Play

07/21/2021

My new infographic to help parents and teachers. Share away!

I first learned of the descriptors "the upstairs and downstairs brain" when I read the Whole-Brain Child (Siegel, Bryson, 2012). The premise is simple and brilliant. The downstairs of a traditional house is where all of our basic needs are met. There’s a bathroom, a kitchen and a living area. Similarly, the “downstairs brain” is responsible for basic functions like breathing and heart rate, as well as sensory processing and sensing threat.

The upstairs brain is our more sophisticated, "thinking" brain. It's not fully developed until our mid 20s! We must be able to access both our upstairs and downstairs brain. We need to be able to monitor the sensory input coming from our environment, think and problem-solve. When our kids are having a hard time, they’re in their “downstairs” brain. They can’t access their “thinking” brain, and no amount of yelling, threatening or punishment is going to get them there.

How do you help a child when they are in their downstairs brain? First, lower expectations. Help them get regulated. That could be as simple as a hug or just being present. Once regulated, only then they can head upstairs.

Next time your child is having hard time, say to yourself “downstairs brain”. It’s a great reminder in the heat of the moment to lead with empathy.

07/18/2021

07/02/2021

Critical Periods for Brain Development

"The first critical period of brain development begins around age 2 and concludes around 7. It provides a prime opportunity to lay the foundation for a holistic education for children." Why Ages 2-7 Matter So Much for Brain Development: http://ow.ly/mh9y50Fka1H