What is it all about? Play Therapy, Art Therapy and SandTray Therapy. . .

The three main approaches I use are Play Therapy, Art Therapy and SandTray Therapy. But what are they exactly? How do they work? Hopefully this short description will help you understand what it is all about! PLAY THERAPY What it is: Play therapy is a a psychotherapeutic approach of treatment mostly used with children and youth, though it can be used with adults.  It uses play as a means for the express of thoughts and Read more…

Why Hobbies are Important

You may believe that hobbies aren’t really necessary. After all, they do take time away from work and family. However, personal pursuits serve many important functions including helping keep you emotionally and mentally healthy. I have always told my children to find and pursue a hobby that they enjoy – something to keep their mind stimulated, their body busy, and their emotions expressed.  Something just for them. If you’ve been avoiding spending time doing activities Read more…

Assessments: What are they and why are they important?

Every day, every one of us are making assessments – teachers, ECEs, and parents included.  What does assessment mean?  What are the different types of assessments?  How can you tell when it is a ‘good’ assessment tool? Definition Assessment can mean a variety of different things. For example, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines assessment as “the action or an instance of making a judgment about something” – an assessment can be a judgement call.  Based upon Read more…

Let Them Cry It Out

Many times parents of infants are told not to spoil their child and let the child “cry it out.”  We are talking about infants, not three year olds or teenagers.  Infants crying can become a constant strain on parent’s nerves.  It can make for sleeplessness, irritation, and sometimes aggression.   I mean in the parents – not the child! Though it also can have that effect on the child too. So, what is to be done?  Read more…