Resources for Traumatic Events

In light of recent events in our city and our town, here are a couple of helpful resources:

• Helping Children Cope in Unsettling Times from NASP (National Association of School Psychologists)
• Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope after a Disaster or Traumatic Events from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration)

Playing

People ask what I do all day.  Well, apart from thinking together with parents, teachers, and children, I spend time playing with kids.  We play cards during lunch groups, we play singing games during guidance lessons, we dig in the mini tupperware sandbox while contemplating the complexities of friendships.  Much of the work we do together is done through playing together.  Sometimes it's role-playing to gain understanding of social dynamics or practice how to assert oneself.  Sometimes it's learning cooperation over competition in a group game.  Something about talking at kids - it's not being very effective.

As we approach April vacation, I hope we all take the time to play together - a lot; play-dates at the park, Apples-to-Apples after dinner as a family, a l-o-n-g game of monopoly through the week.  

From Taking Play Seriously by Robin Marantz Henig (Published February 17th, 2008):

"Scientists who study play, in animals and humans alike, are developing a consensus view that play is something more than a way for restless kids to work off steam; more than a way for chubby kids to burn off calories; more than a frivolous luxury. Play, in their view, is a central part of neurological growth and development — one important way that children build complex, skilled, responsive, socially adept and cognitively flexible brains."

So - what are we waiting for?  Let's go play!