Helpful blog with links and tips! “As teachers are the adults who see students for the longest periods of time throughout the day, they play a critical role in recognizing the symptoms of trauma and treating it at the classroom level. After reading our brief synopsis on trauma, check out the tips below that are absolutely essential for anyone working with trauma.”

Poverty, violence, hunger, abuse, and an unstable world are causing chronic stress for our nation's kids. And that sad truth is that prolonged exposure to stress can damage the centers of the brain associated with learning, cause behavioral problems, and increase the cycle of violence. Nearly half o...

Really interesting article!
“Most of us have experienced some kind of traumatic event in our lives when a situation so overwhelmed us that our brain and body were unable to cope with it. Depending on our internal and external resources, most of us were probably able to recover. However, children who live in under-resourced communities—where domestic and neighborhood violence, racial discrimination, and poverty are more prevalent—can develop post-trauma difficulties after experiencing what is called complex trauma.
But trauma exposure does not seal one’s fate. As the UCSF HEARTS program teaches, there are things that educators and other caring adults can do to mitigate the effects of trauma—and help at-risk students flourish rather than fail.” ... See more

Exposure to chronic trauma is having tragic effects on some of our students. How can educators help?

Very interesting read/Research based and there is a gender difference!
“Having elevated levels of stress for extended periods of time can do a lot of damage to various parts of the body. Most of us live in a constant state of alert, and this can wear down our immune systems and just make us feel downright crappy. Anxiety and stress levels are at an all-time high, according to a poll by the American Psychiatric Association.
Among 1,000 U.S. adults surveyed about their levels of stress and anxiety, almost 40% reported feeling more anxious than they were at the same time last year. Another 39% said they felt just as anxious as last year, and only 19% said they felt less anxious. Safety, health, and finances topped the list of stressors for Americans, while politics and personal relationships trailed closely behind.
So, what does all this worrying and stress do to our brains? We will go in depth about the effects of stress on the brain, as well as a few ways you can combat stress.” ... See more

Having elevated levels of stress for extended periods of time can do a lot of damage to various parts of the body. Read on how:

Interesting read “According to the Family Communication and Relationships Lab at Utah State University, most family estrangements begin when communication between the generations declines in both quality and quantity. "My daughter used to share everything with me, and now I get a cursory text or phone call only when she really needs something,” complains a client, whose 27-year-old reports that “it feels like she’s always criticizing or judging me, which makes me leave or hang up or lose my temper, and before you know it we haven’t spoken for weeks. When I finally call, I never tell her about anything that really matters anymore.” Guarding or restricting verbal communication isn’t necessarily an indication of estrangement, but for many young adults, it’s the first step in an on-again, off-again journey that may last a week, a year, or even decades.” ... See more

New research describes how they cut the ties that bind.

Final thought from LR Knost on the training baby debate🤗

Interesting read on the cry it out debate.
“Some researchers who have studied the effect of leaving a baby to cry have measured elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and it's been speculated that this could harm the child's emotional development. Another study, however, found no negative effects on children five years after they had been sleep-trained with this technique. So the picture is unclear.
"Any kind of crying is stressful… and it does raise cortisol levels," says Palmer. "However sleep deprivation also isn't great and can do long-term damage as well, and I think it's deciding what is more sustainable and what you believe." ... See more

Some parents are now hiring sleep consultants to help their baby get to sleep. That's great for the parents, but is it good for the child?

Interesting Article from USA.
“We, as a culture, do very little to support new parents. Gross misconceptions about what constitutes normal sleep patterns in infancy and early childhood abound, even in professional circles. We have no federal maternity (let alone paternity) leave and our entire adult population is overworked and sleep deprived. Is it any wonder that the “sleep training” of babies/toddlers has become such a popular phenomenon? Akin to debates about circumcision, corporal punishment, and vaccination, the question of whether or not it is right to let a child Cry-It-Out (CIO) deeply divides American parents.” ... See more

The "cry it out" or "CIO" method of approaching infant and toddler sleep advocates either the total absence of any nurturing or the very low presence of nurturing during nighttime hours.

Short Read. “There seems to be a perception out there that somehow comforting a child is a reward. Can we just talk about the bizarreness of this for a minute? The idea that love, support, a hug, is a reward. The definition of a reward is something “given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement”. Should comfort and love need to be earned by a child instead of given freely? I think we would all agree that should definitely not be the case. And yet, we are urged to withdraw our affection when children displease us. If they have a tantrum and we comfort them through it we’re told we are ‘rewarding bad behaviour.” ... See more

Comforting a child does NOT reinforce bad behaviour. Comfort is always ok.

Lovely article with great downloadable A4 posters!
“Helping children to regulate their emotions doesn’t necessarily happen overnight. Science tells us that the parts of the human brain that are critical to handling emotions aren’t fully developed until into we’re in our twenties, but we can take little steps when children are young to help them manage their feelings.
Brain research shows us that movement and breath help to alleviate stress and anxiety. Our bodies are designed to move—just think about how many miles a day the cave people used to run every day. Modern people lead mostly sedentary lives, and we almost have to relearn how to use movement to lead happy and healthy lives.” ... See more

Calm Down Yoga Routine for kids, perfect for helping children learn to manage big emotions. Complete with free printable poster.

Interesting article with downloadable advice sheets. “Throughout my time as an Occupational Therapist, I have seen and continue to see a decline in children’s social, emotional, and academic functioning, as well as a sharp increase in learning disabilities and other diagnoses.
As we know, the brain is malleable. Through environment, we can make the brain “stronger” or make it “weaker”. I truly believe that, despite all our greatest intentions, we unfortunately remold our children’s brains in the wrong direction.” ... See more

I understand that many would choose not to hear what Victoria Prooday says in the article, but your kids need you to hear this message.

“Parents should worry less about how much time their children spend using screens, paediatricians have said.
The first UK guidance on screen use for children says there is little evidence that it is harmful in itself.
But experts say it is important that the use of devices does not replace healthy activities, such as sleep, exercising and time with family.
The guidance avoids setting screen time limits, but does recommend not using them in the hour before bedtime.” Short Read news Item. ... See more

There is little evidence being on screens is harmful, according to the first UK guidance by paediatricians.

Lovely article with good advice. “We all crave those close moments with our children that make our hearts melt. Connection is as essential to us parents as it is to our children. When our relationship is strong, it's also sweet -- so we receive as much as we give. That's what makes parenting worth all the sacrifices.
That connection is also the only reason children willingly follow our rules. Kids who feel strongly connected to their parents WANT to cooperate, if they can. They'll still act like kids, which means their emotions will sometimes overwhelm their still-growing prefrontal cortex. But when they trust us to understand, to be on their side, they're motivated to follow our lead when they can.
Researchers remind us that we need five positive interactions to every negative interaction to keep any relationship healthy. And since we spend so much time guiding -- aka correcting, reminding, scolding, criticizing, nagging, and yelling -- it's important to make sure we spend five times as much time in positive connections.” ... See more

We all crave those close moments with our children that make our hearts melt. Connection is as essential to us parents as it is to our children. When our relationship is strong, it's also sweet -- so we receive as much as we give. That's what makes parenting worth all the sacrifices.

“To survive children are born with a profound need to be in relationship, attachment is how we are shaped and formed by our early relationships, life is about working things out in relationships.” 🤗

“Inspiration for the new year we may not all have the money but we can give a little time to help others.”

Philanthropist lives modestly in rented apartment after giving away $8bn fortune

Interesting short read. ‘Regular PE class means all children can access the myriad benefits exercise provides until they reach adulthood – and beyond. According to the Physical Activity Council, children who have physical education in school are twice as likely to be active outside PE class and to remain active when they become adults. Correlation does not equate to cause, but it makes sense that children who learn good fitness habits in school will practice them out of school, and that a fit childhood sets a foundation for fitness as an adult.’ ... See more

Physical education should be on equal footing with academic classes. It teaches kids persistence, resilience, positive thinking and how to stay healthy.

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‘As a school psychologist and parent of a 7-year-old and a 3-year-old, I see opportunities to teach social-emotional skills every single day. My wife and I talk with my daughter and son about understanding their emotions and teach them ways to work through big emotions.
Conflicts with others may not feel pleasant but they give a perfect opportunity to teach social-emotional skills.’ Short Read

Emotional regulation helps kids stay calm in tough situations. Teach these two activities to kids and give them essential tools for self regulation and emotional control.

Lovely 🤗

“Start telling kids they’re not going to be anything – there’s a good chance they won’t,” Tim O’Mara, executive director of Bearings Bike Shop. The local non-profit does more than rebuild bikes – they shape futures. Children earn bikes, while learning valuable life lessons.

Getting your kid a new bike this holiday season? Donate the old one to Bearings Bike Shop. Check out the video to learn about the great work they do in the community. #GreatnessLivesHere #MercedesAllIn ... See more

Behaviour is a child’s way of communicating their needs.

‘Childhood is a special time in one’s life. A time of discovery, play, wonder, and amusement at the world as the child gets the know the world around them. For the parents, this time can bring about a sense of worry, as they seek to ensure the child’s health and happiness.
Of course, life happens – to both the child and the parents – which can affect one’s childhood years. Regardless of circumstance, the child’s happiness almost always comes first to those who love them.
Here, we combine scientific research and childhood happiness. More specifically, we’re going to look at 10 scientifically proven tips to help ensure a happy and healthy childhood.’ 4 minute read. ... See more

As parents, we all just want to raise happy, healthy, thriving kids at the end of the day. Researchers reveal 10 things that will make kids happier...

‘Research suggests that our own experiences and feelings distort our ability to be empathetic towards others, and this seems to be exactly what we do to children. We intervene in social situations to punish, shame, dismiss, praise, force, and many more things that cause either positive or negative feelings, leading children to be so focused on their own emotions and reactions that they are no longer able to empathise with others. We step in and control situations, or lay down rules, instead of allowing children to learn from social interactions. We shut down opportunities for children to feel empathy, which in turn leads us to believe they are selfish, and then we decide they need to be taught to be empathetic.’ Interesting Blog Short Read. ... See more

Big fat tears rolled down my 3-year-old’s cheeks. Her loud cries were jarring against the picturesque background we’d found ourselves in. Her older sister had wandered down the creek bed to find a tyre swing. Such a happy discovery for … Continue reading →

‘From an evolutionary perspective, the main purpose of play is education. Play is nature's way of ensuring that young mammals will practice the skills they need for survival. You can predict what a young mammal will play at by knowing what it must learn. Young carnivores, such as lions and tigers, play at stalking, chasing, and pouncing. Young zebras and other animals that are preyed on by lions and such play at running, dodging, and escaping. Young monkeys play endlessly at chasing one another and swinging from trees. Young humans--who have far more to learn than do the young of any other species--play in far more ways than do the young of any other species.’ Short Read ... See more

Children play at the skills they need most for survival.

‘What is echoism? Echoism is a trait that my colleagues and I have begun measuring, and like all traits, it exists to a greater or lesser degree in everyone. People who score well above average in echoism qualify as echoists, and their defining characteristic is a fear of seeming narcissistic in any way. Of all the people we measured, echoists were the most “warm-hearted,” but they were also afraid of becoming a burden, felt unsettled by attention, especially praise, and agreed with statements like, “When people ask me my preferences, I’m often at a loss.” Where narcissists are addicted to feeling special, echoists are afraid of it. In the myth of Narcissus, Echo, the nymph who eventually falls madly in love with Narcissus, has been cursed to repeat back the last few words she hears. Like their namesake, echoists definitely struggle to have a voice of their own.’ Interesting Short Read ... See more

Here are nine fast facts about the new term that's helping survivors everywhere.

Well worth a visit with some great ideas on play.

Read our Special Edition 20th Anniversary Newsletters featuring our historic moments on our website here http://www.playscotland.org/

What happens to the brain of a child who is abused, neglected, or otherwise maltreated? Does adverse experience in early childhood change the trajectory of brain development and set one up for later problems? Why are some individuals more resilient to these types of problems than others? These are among the questions being asked as science attempts to sort out the how and why behind the accepted truth that childhood maltreatment changes the brain in ways that have lifelong consequences.
“It’s not that they are unaffected by maltreatment; rather, their brains are very effectively compensating for it,” Teicher says.’ Very Interesting Article. ... See more

What happens to the brain of a child who is abused, neglected, or otherwise maltreated?

‘The effects of constantly being bullied are more than just psychological. Research now shows that there may be physical structural differences in the brains of adolescents who are regularly victimized, and this could increase the chance that they suffer from mental illness. This is the conclusion of a study in the journal Molecular Psychiatry which is published by Springer Nature. The research was led by Erin Burke Quinlan of King’s College London in the UK and is the first to show that chronic peer victimization during adolescence impacts mental health via structural brain changes.’ Short Read ... See more

A new study reports children and teens who face chronic bullying have altered brain structure, as well as problems with anxiety and depression. Researchers found those who were bullies had structural changes to the putamen and caudate, contributing to the development of anxiety related behaviors and...

‘The study says preventing adolescents from becoming victims - for example through school-based anti-bullying schemes, family support programmes and community safety initiatives - could help reduce the likelihood of them having suicidal thoughts or self-harming.
But it also concludes that effective interventions to prevent premature death in victimised adolescents should also address pre-existing vulnerabilities.’ Short Read ... See more

Schemes to stop adolescents becoming victims may lower the likelihood of them self-harming, a study says.

‘When it comes to thought processes, one of the most important habits of mind that children can develop is optimism. Children who practise optimistic thinking are more resilient, they are less likely to give up in the face of challenge and they tend to interpret experiences in a way that gives them a sense of control and confidence.
Pessimism, on the other hand, leads to helplessness and withdrawal – it doesn’t matter what I do, it won’t work, so there is no point in trying.
Optimism is not about temperament, it is a habit of thinking that relates to how we interpret events. And it can therefore be taught.’ ... See more

When it comes to thought processes, one of the most important habits of mind that children can develop is optimism. Children who practise optimistic thinking are more resilient, they are less likely to give up in the face of challenge and they tend to interpret experiences in a way that gives them a...

Use your influence wisely, kindly and for the greater good for all🤗