Mental Health

Valentine’s Day SEL Activities: Teaching Kindness & Empathy

Valentine’s Day is more than candy hearts and cards — it’s the perfect opportunity to teach kindness, empathy, and compassion in classrooms and counseling sessions. Kids love creative activities, and when paired with social-emotional learning (SEL), Valentine’s crafts and games become meaningful lessons in caring for others. Here are engaging Valentine’s Day SEL activities that […]

Valentine’s Day SEL Activities: Teaching Kindness & Empathy Read More »

Talking About Loss with Children: Gentle All Saints’ Day Activities for Families

Children grieve differently than adults—they draw, build, plant, and light candles to say what words can’t. All Saints’ Day can become a gentle space for those unspoken feelings to take shape. It’s important to disclose that this blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may

Talking About Loss with Children: Gentle All Saints’ Day Activities for Families Read More »

All Saints’ Day Crafts for Kids That Teach Gratitude & Reflection

All Saints’ Day is often seen as quiet and solemn — but for children, it can also be a gentle opportunity to learn about gratitude, remembrance, and the importance of honoring loved ones. With the right activities, you can help kids engage with the meaning of the day in a way that feels hopeful, not

All Saints’ Day Crafts for Kids That Teach Gratitude & Reflection Read More »

Storytelling & Role-Play Activities to Teach Empathy to Kids

Children naturally love stories and play — and both are powerful ways to teach empathy. By stepping into someone else’s shoes through storytelling and role-play, kids practice perspective-taking, compassion, and emotional understanding in a way that feels engaging and fun. Here are storytelling and role-play activities that help children build empathy at home, in classrooms,

Storytelling & Role-Play Activities to Teach Empathy to Kids Read More »

Empathy Exercises for Teens: Building Connection and Understanding

Adolescence is a season of big feelings and rapid change. Friends become anchors, identity starts to crystallize, and social dynamics feel louder than ever. In the middle of it all, empathy—the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings—becomes a stabilizer. It helps teens communicate without escalation, navigate conflict with more grace, and build friendships

Empathy Exercises for Teens: Building Connection and Understanding Read More »

Creative Empathy Activities for Kids: Building Compassion in the Classroom

Empathy—the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings—isn’t a personality trait some children magically “have.” It’s a skill set kids can learn, practice, and strengthen with the right guidance. When we teach empathy intentionally, we see calmer classrooms, fewer conflicts, and friendships that last. As a counselor, I’ve watched simple SEL activities become powerful

Creative Empathy Activities for Kids: Building Compassion in the Classroom Read More »

30 Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas for Women

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for a woman in your life — whether she’s your mom, sister, partner, friend, or coworker — can feel overwhelming. You want something meaningful that makes her feel appreciated, but also practical enough that she’ll truly use it. The key is not just what you buy, but why. A thoughtful

30 Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas for Women Read More »

20 Christmas Gifts for Teens That Are Actually Cool & Parent-Approved

Buying Christmas gifts for teens can feel like solving a puzzle. They’re growing fast, developing their own taste, and often changing interests overnight. You want something stylish enough to make them smile — but also practical enough that parents appreciate it too. This year, skip the last-minute stress and the generic gift cards. These creative

20 Christmas Gifts for Teens That Are Actually Cool & Parent-Approved Read More »

Winter Emotional Regulation Activities for Classrooms: Calm & Focus Ideas

Winter can be a magical season, but for many students it also brings restlessness, holiday stress, or mid-year fatigue. Classrooms can easily become overwhelmed with high energy and big feelings. That’s why building emotional regulation activities into your winter classroom routines is so powerful. These calming, mindful activities are simple, seasonal, and help kids develop

Winter Emotional Regulation Activities for Classrooms: Calm & Focus Ideas Read More »

Therapy Tools for Emotional Regulation: A Practical Guide for Counselors

Emotional regulation is one of the most important skills children and teens can learn in therapy. It’s not just about “calming down”—it’s about recognizing emotions, understanding triggers, and choosing healthier responses that fit the moment. In session, the right therapy tools for kids make abstract concepts concrete, playful, and memorable. This guide shares my favorite

Therapy Tools for Emotional Regulation: A Practical Guide for Counselors Read More »

Scroll to Top