RvT Wellness Counselling and Play Therapy

15/08/2025

Sometimes young people blame themselves for pressures they are feeling, rather than seeing that they are caused by external forces. If your child is putting a lot of pressure on themselves, try talking to them about focussing on things they can control.

📷 mindfulenough__

05/08/2025

It’s okay if you see a child playing by themselves at daycare.

There are different types of play, and all of them are important for learning and growing. For example, solo play helps kids use their imagination and learn to entertain themselves. Parallel play is when kids play next to each other but not together, and it helps them get used to being around others. Both are normal and healthy.

Kids don’t always need to play in groups to learn and have fun.

18/07/2025

Ever need your child to check in with their feelings? Here are some ideas from to help them identify what and how they feel 😊

07/07/2025

Parenting isn’t easy - especially when anger, irritability, or aggression show up in our kids. 💙 Understanding the why behind these emotions can help us respond with patience and support. If your child struggles with big feelings, this article offers helpful insights ❤️

Angry feelings often bubble into outbursts for children and teens. Parents may wonder whether their child's behavior is normal; Yale Medicine can help.

24/06/2025

Big feelings like frustration, anger, and fear can make it hard for children to think clearly. When their emotions are calmed, they can access the smartest part of their brain and learn to cope better. Let’s support our kids by helping them feel safe and understood first. 💙

Reinet van Tonder is a wellness counsellor and play practitioner who is passionate about helping children and young adults find their way to emotional and mental well-being. Practicing in Kempton Park.

14/06/2025

Kids aren’t angry just to be angry.

There is always a reason behind it, like feeling jealous, embarrassed, sad, scared, hurt etc. Instead of focusing on the anger, try to figure out what is causing it. When you understand the 'why,' you can help solve the problem and calm them down.

07/06/2025

27/05/2025

When emotions are overwhelming, connection is the lifeline our children need most. Before we guide or correct, let’s pause to connect - because true growth happens when kids feel safe and understood. 💛

Source:

05/05/2025

Here's some very valuable by Susan David on how to get your mind unstuck 😌✨

22/04/2025

🌟 Understanding ADHD & Emotional Regulation in Kids 🌟

Did you know that ADHD doesn’t just affect focus and impulsivity? It can also make emotional regulation much harder for children.

Kids with ADHD often experience emotions more intensely and may struggle to manage frustration, excitement, or disappointment in the moment. This can lead to:

✔ Big emotional reactions (meltdowns, outbursts, or extreme excitement)
✔ Quick mood shifts (going from happy to upset very suddenly)
✔ Difficulty calming down after getting upset
✔ Overwhelm in stressful situations

This isn’t about "bad behaviour" but brain wiring! The ADHD brain processes emotions differently, sometimes making pausing and responding calmly harder.

How to Help:
💙 Teach coping skills (deep breathing, counting, taking a break)
💙 Validate their feelings ("I see you’re upset—let’s figure this out together.")
💙 Create predictable routines to reduce emotional triggers
💙 Stay patient—they’re not giving you a hard time; they’re having a hard time

Understanding these challenges can help us support kids with ADHD with more compassion. 💛

11/04/2025

Emotions can sometimes feel like a game of Tetris—manageable at first, but overwhelming when too many come at once. It's okay if they stop making sense. Take a deep breath, and remember that it's all part of being human. 🧩💛

Beautiful illustration by Grant Snider ().