Mary Determan MSW, LCSW, RPT-S

Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach

The Nurtured Heart Approach’ gives parents and teachers an absolutely clear understanding of how a challenging child really responds to normal ways of parenting and why traditional methods actually make the situation worse. It also provides a powerful set of strategies designed specifically to turn the challenging child around to a new pattern of success. …

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Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Asperger’s, Tourette’s, Bipolar, and More!: The one stop guide for parents, teachers, and other professionals

Kids in the Syndrome Mix is a concise, scientifically up-to-date, all-in-one guide to the whole range of often co-existing neuro-behavioral disorders in children-from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder, to autistic spectrum disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities, sensory integration problems, and executive dysfunction. Dr. Kutscher provides accessible information on causes, symptoms, interactions …

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How Do I Teach My Child to Swallow Pills?

There comes a time when every person must learn how to swallow medication or vitamins. Medications, vitamins, and supplements can be crucial when helping those with developmental and/or emotional disabilities. The task of swallowing a pill can feel incredibly daunting to a person, especially a child and even some teens. A child may not understand how to swallow …

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The Importance of Routines for Kids

Why routines matter Research shows that routines support healthy social emotional development in early childhood. In particular, children with regular routines at home have self-regulation skills, the building blocks of good mental health. When children learn to regulate feelings and behaviors, it means they are able to identify their feelings and have skills to manage …

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Using Worry Boxes as a Therapeutic Intervention to Help Manage Anxiety

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/browse?search=worry%20box We all experience worry from time to time. Sometimes, though, worries can feel so big and overwhelming that it makes it hard to be present, learn and/or get along with others. Worry boxes are a wonderful therapeutic tool that can help young (and older) people name and externalize their fears and put them away …

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Games that Practice Self-Regulation of Body And Actions

These 17 games practice impulse control, paying attention, listening and following directions. Students focus on having to pay close attention to expectations, and override urges in order to make the most appropriate choice about their actions. Games can be conducted with small or large groups, require NO materials or preparation, and most can be played …

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A Play Therapy Activity for Anger

https://www.meehanmentalhealth.com/the-playful-therapist-blog/taming-the-tiger-play-therapy-intervention-for-anger Really great article called Taming the Tigers by Ann Meehan Anger is complex.   And something that is a right brain process can be hard to articulate and describe.  Especially if you are a child who isn’t quite fully developed in their prefrontal cortex.   Okay – talking about anger is tough for grownups too.  One of my most favorite interventions is …

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