This blog is written a little differently: not by a play therapist, by a parent. My name is Sharlyn Francis and I’m the Marketing and Business Coordinator at Play Therapy Connection. Here is a breakdown of my experience with parent coaching and what I’ve learned along the way. Why did I decide to do it? The phrase “I don’t know...[ read more ]
Managing Screen Time in 2020 There are many different opinions about how to manage screen time with your children and it’s hard to know what advice to listen to. As a play therapist, here is what I’ve learned along the way: Not all Screen time is bad: Screen time can be helpful for your child and you too. We all...[ read more ]
If I had to choose a word for 2020 specific to my relationships it would be PRESENCE. I want to be present in the here and now as much as I can be for myself, my partner, my children, my family and my friends. Let’s take a few quick minutes to think about some practical ways to be present and...[ read more ]
As I navigate the crowded aisles of shiny new school supplies, I ponder the question: How do I prepare my child’s brain, mind and body for a successful school year? What are the “school supplies” my children really need? It all goes back to understanding the brain and nervous system regulation. I like to utilize an adaptation of Dr. Dan Siegel’s...[ read more ]
Parents, Daylight Savings Time is just around the corner (2:00AM on March 10th) and if you already do not have your ninja skills ready here are some helpful tips: If possible, start preparing two weeks in advance. Try putting your kid(s) to bed earlier in 15-minute increments. You can also begin waking them up in this way too. Change the clocks...[ read more ]
The meltdown. You’ve experienced it before: you’re in the middle of Target and your child just decided that she MUST have the newest “Beanie Boo” (OK, maybe that part is just me) and when I put it back on the shelf, she suddenly goes into meltdown mode. This turns into full-blown sobbing, shallow breathing, (maybe even holding her breath) and...[ read more ]
Last Wednesday, as I waited for my coffee to brew, I had a mix of emotions. I knew I was going to have to face difficult conversations with my children about why they did not have school this morning. I also knew I was eventually going to have to explain when they were able to go to school what had...[ read more ]
Today I decided to go for a hike along the Boulder flatirons. I find that nature has a way of sharing subtle messages that encourage me and remind me of where I’m headed. It’s a time for me to think, to regulate and eventually drop from my head down into my heart. As a followed the trail I encountered a...[ read more ]
This time of year, children are getting ready to end the school year and begin the transition of going into summer. I like to think of this as a unique balancing act of opposing energy: excitement and uncertainty. How do we honor the excitement and the un-comfortability of the unknown? Below I have provided three tips to help your child thrive, not...[ read more ]
If you could give a parent or caregiver just two tips on how to positively influence their child’s brain development, what would those be?” We are glad you asked! Below are two of our favorite everyday tips to help your child integrate the different parts of the brain, develop a connection with themselves and others, and process their experiences. Connect...[ read more ]
