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Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid.

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What Does Neural Plasticity Mean for Parents?

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What Does Neural Plasticity Mean for Parents?

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The research on learning and memory shows that learning is possible and memory can be enhanced across the lifespan, unless the brain is compromised by disease or injury, and even then there is more room for growth than was previously thought possible. Neural plasticity-the way the brain changes across the lifespan-is the mechanism that powers the possibility of change and growth over time.

The brain's early development is shaped by genetic factors working together with experience. One of the most important early brain-building experiences is sometimes called "serve-and-return," a caregiver 's affectionate and attentive mirroring of infants' early babbling, facial expressions, and gestures. When that doesn't happen-or if it is unreliable or inappropriate-the baby's brain doesn't form as expected. This can lead to problems with learning or behavior.

During childhood, from three to eleven, brain development is not as explosive as it was in the early years, or as it will be again in the teen years. That does not mean nothing is happening through this period, or that caregivers should relax, and not worry about their children's brains. Childhood is a time for exploration, learning, and consolidation, and for acquiring good habits of mind that will form a solid foundation for future learning and development. It is also a time when sleep, exercise, and nutrition continue to have a significant impact on brain development. These lifestyle choices make a difference to the volume of gray matter, which is being formed in the brain through this period.

For best brain development, children should be exploring widely, gaining skills across many areas-academic, artistic, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive-and establishing a strong sense of themselves as competent and valuable. That confidence will be sorely tested when puberty begins.
Implications: What Does the Research on Brain Development Mean for Parents?
Neuroscientist Jay Giedd told PBS's "Frontline" that, "The more technical and more advanced the science becomes, often the more it leads us back to some very basic tenets. ... With all the science and with all the advances, the best advice we can give is things that our grandmother could have told us generations ago: to spend loving, quality time with our children."

Here are some recommendations for parents wanting to support their children's optimal brain development, from conception to adulthood:

1. Ensure a healthy pregnancy. Fetal brains develop best when pregnant mothers have a healthy well-balanced diet, get enough sleep, abstain from drugs and alcohol, enjoy a safe, clean environment, experience low stress, and get the right kinds of exercise. That kind of pregnancy is not always possible, but it's worth working to achieve as much of this as possible.

2. Be warm, present, patient, and loving. Starting at childbirth, relationships and connections make the biggest difference in how a child's brain will develop. Brain development goes best for kids who experience respectful, kind, warm, and patient adults, starting at birth. Parents can support their children's developing brains by listening to them, and by showering them dependably with patience, love, and positive regard. The more difficult the child or adolescent, the more important (and the more challenging) this is.

3. Support healthy habits of sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Just like the growing body, the growing brain needs adequate sleep, good nutrition, and ample physical exercise, preferably outdoors.

4. Provide your infant and young child with rich experiences in every domain. Synapses form most prolifically in those areas of a child and adolescent's brain that are being stimulated, in the areas where there is focused interest and many kinds of experience. The areas of the brain that aren't used get pruned out, in a dramatic example of the "use it or lose it" principle. This is a compelling reason to expose children and teens to many different kinds of musical, linguistic, mathematical, natural, artistic, sensory, social, and physical experiences.

5. Welcome obstacles, failures, and "bad" behavior. Problems usually aren't fun, but they are the best possible learning opportunities for you and your child. Obstacles, failures, and misbehavior show you what your child hasn't learned yet, and needs to work on, with your help.

6. Stay positive. Neural plasticity means that learning is possible in pretty much every area, and across the lifespan. This is just as true for children with learning problems as for anyone else. If a child has trouble in one area or another (say mathematics or social intelligence), their brain is still capable of mastering that area, no matter what their teacher or anyone else might say.

7. Keep growing and learning. Neural plasticity applies to adults too. Even into old age, barring serious brain degeneration, people can learn other languages, take music lessons, become more patient, write books, follow their interests, and explore the world. Parents are better role models for learning and brain development when they're happily productive and fulfilled in their own lives.
Further Resources
Nature and Nurture in Early Child Development, Edited by Daniel P Keating

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, Survive Everyday Parenting Struggles, and Help Your Family Thrive, by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

" Brain Architecture," by Harvard University Center on the Developing Child

" Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Development," by Zero to Three

" Neuroscience for Kids," by Eric Chudler

" Brain Development in Childhood, " by Yasuyuki Taki and Ryuta Kawashima

" InBrief: The Science of Early Child Development," by Harvard University Center on the Developing Child

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What Does Neural Plasticity Mean for Parents?

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Brain science is yielding practical findings for wise parenting. Be loving and patient: it's not fair or useful to punish foolish behavior that results from a brain in progress.

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How the Polyvagal Theory Inspired My Parenting

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How the Polyvagal Theory Inspired My Parenting

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Key points

Ways in which caregivers respond to their children's emotions can impact their coping and physiology.

Parental meta-emotions are a significant source of safety cues that help children cope with emotions.

The polyvagal theory offers a schema that appreciates the impact of nonverbal cues on nervous system activity.

Every parent knows that emotions are oftentimes contagious. Whenever my own mood is jovial and calm, my children seem to experience fewer meltdowns, while my experience of stress seems to have the opposite effect on them (even with my best attempts at masking). Appreciating this contagion quality of emotion makes nourishing my own nervous system a priority for me, through making time for activities that keep it calm and rested (like exercise and mindfulness).

Attachment theorists concur that ways in which caregivers respond to their children's emotions impact children's relationship with their inner experience, their coping, even their physiology.

Similarly, when the polyvagal theory came out in 1994, it offered yet another paradigm for appreciating the impact of parental responsiveness on children's coping with emotions and their physiology.

Polyvagal theory is a collection of hypotheses about the functioning of the body's vagus nerve and how it impacts individuals' experiences of social connection, calm and safety, as well as trauma, coined by Stephen Porges, Ph.D.

At the center of the polyvagal theory is the vagus nerve, the largest nerve in mammals that extends from the brain's cerebellum into the body's many major organs and peripheral senses. According to the polyvagal theory, the vagus plays a key role in informing the brain about what is happening within the body, like a messenger that reports to the brain on the functioning of the body's major organs as well as its peripheral sensory experiences.

Dr Porges suggested that the major facial muscles involved in facial expression reveal important safety cues about whether an individual's nervous system is receptive to engaging with others and in a parasympathetic state of calm and restoration, or whether an individual is feeling threatened and unsafe.

Our nervous systems are in a continual process of perceiving information from the environment, including from the facial expressions and voice of others, continually picking up on cues of safety or danger. And, they continually shift between states of calm and safety (associated with the activity of the ventral vagus) and fight-flight mobilization, or a shut-down response if the fight-flight mobilization is insufficient to cope with a threat or demand.

Whereas biological psychologists have recently disputed some of the underlying assumptions of the polyvagal theory, questioning the impact of the dorsal (back) vagus on the freeze response, or questioning the assumption that the mammalian vagus circuit is indeed unique to mammals, the vagus nerve and its role in the processing of information from the environment and our experience of emotion continues to be researched.

Dr Porges suggested that the most recently evolved ventral vagal circuit can suppress the activity of the more primitive dorsal vagus through exposure to safety cues, whether social or internal safety cues such as applying slow exhalations to calm the body. Even though the evolutionary hierarchy underlying the various parts of the vagus has been disputed by biological psychology researchers, Dr Porges raises awareness of the importance of safety cues on the triggering of the calming response of the vagus nerve, within interpersonal connections.

Parenting, meta-emotions and the nervous system

According to Gottman, parental attitudes and feelings about emotions (a term he referred to as meta-emotion) are another significant source of safety cues that impact children's coping with emotion and even their physiology.

Gottman found that parental meta-emotions, or the thoughts and feelings parents have about their own and their children's emotions, are key in either nurturing safety and connection in their attachment, or in cases where meta-emotions are laced with criticism, an experience of a lack of safety.

Examples of meta-emotions can include apprehension (for example if a parent wishes to protect their children from feeling angry due to perceiving anger to be destructive) or resentment (for example towards a child's sadness, fueled by a concern over their lack of gratitude and appreciation). Meta-emotion can be associated with a critical attitude, or a validating one.

Meta-emotion can be revealed through parental micro-expression, and aspects of the Polyvagal theory offer a handy schema that helps to appreciate the impact of nonverbal cues on another person's nervous system activity.

Nurturing constructive meta-emotions and an experience of safety and calm

Gottman suggested that there are many attitudes and practices that support parents in nurturing an experience of safety and connection with their children.

These include viewing "negative" emotions as an opportunity for intimacy and teaching, which automatically infuses them with positivity and reduces their sense of threat, or assisting children with verbally labelling their emotions, which helps to connect their emotional experiences with prefrontal cognitive processes including reflection (which, in turn, mediate their emotional experience). Other strategies that can support parents in helping their children experience safety and connection in the midst of experiencing an emotion include problem-solving with their child, setting behavioral limits, and discussing goals and strategies for dealing with the situation.

I am appreciative of the polyvagal theory in inspiring within me a greater appreciation of the impact of nonverbal cues, including ones associated with above mentioned parenting coaching practices and meta-emotion attitudes, on how I communicate cues of safety and calm to my children.

Despite a lack of evidence in relation to the polyvagal theory's underlying assumptions (such as the role of the dorsal vagus in the freezing response or the evolutionary assumptions underlying the various vagus circuits) and its criticism for oversimplifying the view of the nervous system, polyvagal theory shines a light on the importance of the vagus nerve to our experience of emotion and interpersonal connections (which continues to be researched). For me, personally, it continues to inspire an appreciation and awareness of the impact of my nonverbal cues and emotional coaching practices on nurturing cues of safety and calm within my children.

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How the Polyvagal Theory Inspired My Parenting

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Polyvagal theory inspires an appreciation of the impact of my nonverbal cues and emotional practices on nurturing cues of safety and calm in my children.

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Co-regulation: What It Is and Why it Matters

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Co-regulation: What It Is and Why it Matters

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Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

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Co-regulation: What It Is and Why it Matters

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5 Easy Somatic Exercises to Try With Your Kids Today

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5 Easy Somatic Exercises to Try With Your Kids Today

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Picture this: you've just picked up your kid from school, and they're in a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad mood. You want the best for your child and want to help them calm their body down- but you don't want to reach for a screen.

Experts say there are alternatives that can calm your child-and you-in tough situations. They're called somatic exercises, and they can be used to help your child reconnect with their body and breathing so they can find their center again. Read on to see the benefits of incorporating somatic exercises with your children.

What Are Somatic Exercises?

Somatic experiencing, a practice that includes yoga, is a group of exercises that involves being mindful of your body's movements, its feelings, and your breathing. Somatic exercises have been used in hospital settings to treat PTSD, and can be helpful when you're trying to stay centered throughout the day.

Amelia Groves, ERYT-500 and Master Trainer for YogaSix, points out that somatic exercises have been around for thousands of years. "Somatic exercises are movement-based exercises that focus on the mind-body connection in order to integrate thoughts, emotions and physical sensations."

Yoga is the most common somatic exercise we think of, but somatic exercises comprises a full group of mind-body connected exercises, too. Taryn Parker, Director of Curriculum and Training for The Little Gym says somatic exercises are a great way to recognize how your body moves from point A to point B, explaining further: "They're intended to slow us down, not only understanding how we got there, but most importantly experiencing how that made us feel."

For kids, that can be vital. Robyn Parets, founder of Boston-based Pretzel Kids, adds, "With yoga, as with somatic movement, you generally move slowly and pay attention to your body, breath and mind." This can be a real benefit when your kid is feeling disconnected from their body. Bringing them back to breathing and how their bodies feel can help them regulate their emotions.

But adults can also benefit from somatic exercises, says Robyn Gaillard, yoga expert and teacher, healing and wellness practitioner, founder of My Way Om. Intentional body movements encourage your body to rewire from stressed to calm.

What Are the Health Benefits of Somatic Exercises for Kids?

Like other body-mind practices, which have been linked to better concentration and boosted mental health, somatic practices put kids back in touch with how they're feeling.

"Yoga and somatic exercises allow children to connect with their bodies," Parets says. "On a physical level, yoga helps build strength, increases flexibility, and enhances balance. On an emotional level, children can develop an increased sense of self-esteem (for what they can accomplish in their own bodies). Mentally, kids learn skills to calm themselves and regulate their emotions in a healthy way."

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends yoga for kids, noting that it can help them handle stress and develop mindfulness. Groves adds that kids who have trouble verbalizing their emotions might find somatic exercises helpful. "These practices can be used to regulate emotions, manage mental health, listen to the body's internal signals, and release trauma. Children often do not have the vocabulary to express difficult emotions."

Somatic exercises can help kids express stress and anxiety through their bodies and movement. Plus, Parets says, starting to incorporate these methods will give you some special time with your child, while helping them feel more connected to themselves.

Types of Somatic Exercises to Try With Your Kids

If you're looking to begin your somatic exercise journey with your child, check out some of these easy routines below!

Like in meditation, scanning the body can bring a child a sense of awareness. All they have to do is lie or sit down in a comfortable position, and close their eyes.

"By systematically bringing attention to different parts of the body, from the tips of the toes to the crown of the head, children can explore the sensations throughout their bodies when emotions or thoughts are overwhelming," Groves says.

Parents can practice this kind of mindfulness with their child, giving both parties a sense of calm in stressful situations. "Some children may start identifying (or pointing) at body parts beginning as early as 15 months," Parker points out. "The foundations of body awareness and body comfort can begin [earlier than parents think]."

Helping your kids move through their bodies mindfully can combat distraction in an ever moving and changing world.

Conscious Breathing

When we get stressed, breathing can often speed up or become erratic. Focusing on the breath is an easy way to center our kids. It can help them slow down, says Groves.

"Have your child place a stuffed animal on their stomach and gently rock their friend to sleep using their breath," she suggests. "This helps them become aware of their breath, connect to their body, and calm their nervous system."

They can also imagine blowing out a birthday candle, breathing in gently through the nose, and more forcefully through the mouth.

Practicing some yoga with your kids is another fun way to get them connected to their body, while also incorporating movement. "Yoga poses and sequences, such as sun salutations, are great ways to move through a flowing series of postures," Parets explains.

For kids, start standing with your arms by your sides. Then, stretch your arms skyward, all the way through your fingertips. Bend at the hips, and touch the ground. Come back to standing with your arms by your sides. This simple yoga pose can help your kids feel the whole length of their bodies as they release any stress.

But if they're not feeling movement, that's okay too. "Savasana, deep relaxation pose, isn't really movement-based, however, it is a great pose for kids to relax and focus on their breath," Parets adds. For this yoga pose, all you need to do is lie down and close your eyes.

Opposites Attract Game

Parker, who helps develop curriculum for The Little Gym, recommends this activity for all ages.

"Simply pick a way to move your body in an opposite direction. Get creative-you can move your arms in opposite directions 'in slow motion' or make your body 'small like a mouse' and 'as big as a house.' The key here is expectations and mindfulness."

Lead by example, Parker says, and check in with your kids to see how it makes them feel. As a bonus, this is a great way to transition from one activity to another, sometimes a sticking point for kids.

Outdoor Play

You might be surprised to find that outdoor play is also a somatic exercise. Reconnecting to nature can help kids, and parents, reregulate.

"Unstructured outdoor play is perhaps the best somatic exercise. Children are able to rewire emotional patterns faster when their unstructured play includes movement, climbing, creativity, and imagination," Gaillard says.

For kids who don't want to sit inside when they're stressed, this is a great option. Gaillard adds that laughter, climbing, and running is a great way for your child to reconnect to their body.

Things to Consider Before Doing Somatic Exercises With Your kids

Somatic exercises are an easy way for kids to get back in touch with their bodies, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Though these exercises can be made as gentle as lying down and as active as free play outside, Groves cautions parents whose children have been through major life trauma to take it slow.

"If there is a history of trauma, it is best to work with a trained somatic therapist to avoid re-traumatizing the child," she says.

Parets adds that children with injuries should also take care when starting a movement routine. "If you are injured, any type of exercise may exacerbate an injury so it's best to discuss with a health care provider prior to participating."

As always, you know your child best. It's important to speak to a pediatrician or health care provider if you believe your child is having trouble regulating their emotions and bodies, or if you suspect there might be underlying issues best resolved with the help of a medical professional.

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5 Easy Somatic Exercises to Try With Your Kids Today

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From yoga to body scans, check out these somatic exercises to try with your kids, straight from the experts.

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Why Mindfulness Is a Superpower: An Animation

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Why Mindfulness Is a Superpower: An Animation

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Why Mindfulness Is a Superpower: An Animation

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3 Somatic Techniques for Parents and Family | Somatopia

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3 Somatic Techniques for Parents and Family | Somatopia

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-Robert Brault
It is the sunlight of parental love and encouragement that enables a child to grow in competence and slowly gain mastery over his environment.
-Felicity Bauer

Parenting can be a roller coaster of emotions, from overwhelming love to frustration and exhaustion. But what if there were techniques that could help you better manage those feelings? That is where somatic techniques come into play.

By focusing on the connection between the mind and body, you can tap into a new level of self-awareness and emotional regulation. You don't need fancy equipment or a degree in psychology to try them out.
And the best part? You nurture yourself and your kids, helping them deal with life better.
With simple exercises and practices, you can incorporate somatic techniques into your parenting repertoire and experience a newfound sense of calm and presence in the home.

Diving Deep into Somatics
Photo credit: Zach Callahan @Unsplash
Using somatics to help guide your parenting is like finding secret handshake of the parent-child world. It's tapping into the body's natural wisdom to work through emotional challenges and build a stronger bond.

When we engage in somatic techniques, we invite our physical selves to join the conversation. It's not just about discussing things or using our minds to intellectualize an issue.

By incorporating movement, touch, and other sensory experiences, we say to our bodies, "Hey, I hear you. You matter too." And that's where the magic happens.

And by treating our bodies as equal partners in the attachment process, we deepen our connections with our kids and strengthen our ability to show up as the parent they need us to be.

So if you're looking to amp up your parenting game, somatic techniques are definitely worth exploring. It's like the cherry on top of the parenting sundae. And who doesn't love a good cherry?

Plus:

It's a great way to model healthy coping mechanisms for our kids.

It helps us better understand our own emotional triggers and how to manage them.

Somatic techniques give us more insight into our kids' feelings and behaviors.

It reduces stress in the home by allowing us to stay calm and regulated even when our kids are in the midst of a meltdown.

It supports our own self-care, which is essential for strong parenting.

Many parents are also living through or healing trauma. And taking care of kids and our inner wounded child can feel like a heavy weight. But somatics can be an incredibly powerful tool to help you stay present and connected in the face of difficult emotions.

It does not always get rid of the trauma, but it allows you to manage it in a healthier way. For example, you become less reactive to triggers, empathize better with your children's struggles, and allow you to end the cycle of toxic patterns in your family.

Strategies on How to Parent with Love through Somatics
Photo credit: Gabe Pierce @Unsplash
The best way to make the most of the benefits of somatics in parenting is by understanding its complex inner workings. You can read books like How the Body Keeps the Score or find a mentor.

But if you are looking for quick techniques that can save you from a parenting breakdown, here's what you can do:

1. Practice Mindfulness with Grounding

Usually, practicing mindfulness is about being still. But as a parent, who has the time, especially if you have screaming toddlers?

When faced with these kind of scenarios, you can still be in tune with the present through grounding exercises:

Notice the feeling of your feet against the floor, the temperature of the room, and how you are breathing in and out.

Do color grounding. For example, pick objects that are red, orange, purple, yellow, and blue.

Follow the 3-3-3 rule to curb anxiety. Take a deep breath through your nose for three seconds, hold it for three seconds, and release the air through your mouth for another three seconds. In every movement, notice how the air fills and empties your lungs.

2. Use Sound to Rebalance the Nervous System

Have you ever noticed how a certain song can make you feel instantly uplifted or relaxed? That's because sound has a powerful effect on our nervous system, especially our parasympathetic, which controls our rest-and-digest responses.

Calming music, for example, regulates heart rate and breathing, allowing the body to enter a state of relaxation. A sound with a quicker tempo can energize us and stimulate the release of certain hormones, such as endorphins, that make us feel good.

And you can create and experience sounds in different ways with yourself and your kids:

Sing a song, hum an old tune, or make up your own.

Create silly noises like "buzzing bees," "lion roars," or "elephant trumpets."

Chant a mantra or words of affirmation to yourself and your kids.

Listen to healing-bath sounds.

3. Make Art to Express Emotions

Making art is a great way to release emotions, especially for kids. It helps them express their feelings in a creative and non-threatening way. And it can let us parents understand where they are coming from.

Even better, imagination is the only limit. You can make art out of anything - paper, clay, playdough, sand. And you don't even have to be good at it! Just let the emotion flow through your hands and onto the page or canvas.

Don't know how to draw? Then write. You can make a poem, short story, or journal. Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way teaches you about morning pages.

You can also dance, make a collage, or make tactile art with gooey, soft materials.

Whatever form of art you choose, the important thing is to just be in that moment and let go.

Somatics can be a powerful tool for parenting with love. It doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming - simple grounding exercises and mindful art can do wonders for your family.

So, take a few moments to practice these techniques today and see how they transform your parenting experience.

Do you need more support? If you want to dive deeper into somatics for parents or even help others become better, check out my online certification program. It's designed to help you unlock all the power of somatics, so you can rise above your trauma, release yourself from bad attachments, and become the best version of yourself.
Photo credit: Alexander Ummer @Unsplash

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3 Somatic Techniques for Parents and Family | Somatopia

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These three somatic techniques for parents will help you manage your emotions even on the toughest days. Read the article to learn more.

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NSW Government - Multicultural Health Communication Service

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Welcome and thank you for your interest in this mindfulness audio resource. The resource is also available in , Arabic, Bangla, , Chinese - Cantonese, .

The everyday challenges of these unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic result in unavoidable stress.

The Multicultural Mindfulness Resources have been developed to provide you with some strategies to manage stress and enjoy a better quality of life. They can also help to improve focus, memory, cultivate calmness and regulate emotions.

There are 6 mindfulness exercises in this set, that you can use anytime, anywhere. To maximize the benefits of the mindfulness strategies, we suggest that you practice as often as you can even when you are not feeling stressed.

*This page works better in Google Chrome or Firefox browser*
Introduction to Mindfulness Exercise 1 - Grounding Exercise with Sensory Awareness Duration: 8 mins
This exercise provides helpful strategies to better manage our stressful feelings. During this exercise we use our 5 senses to return to the present moment, reconnect our mind and body and be fully aware of our environment.
MP3 downloadable
Grounding Exercise with Sensory Awareness
Exercise 2 - Mindful Breathing Duration: 7-9 mins
The breath has a significant role in connecting the body and mind. When we are aware of our breath we also become aware of how we feel in our body. Mindfulness breathing helps you to recognise and nurture healthy thoughts and clear your mind out of unhelpful ones.
MP3 downloadable
Spanish_Mindful_Breathing
Exercise 3 - Body Scan Duration: 10-12 mins
This exercise is designed to help you develop a greater awareness of your body sensations, decrease aches and pains, reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing.
MP3 downloadable Exercise 4 - Leaves on a Stream Duration: 8-10 mins
This exercise is called Leaves on a Stream. It is a Mindfulness activity which helps us to become aware of our thoughts, our relationship with them and learn new ways of responding to them.
MP3 downloadable
Spanish Leaves on a Stream
Exercise 5 - Practicing Loving Kindness and Self-Compassion Duration: 12-15
Loving Kindness is a mindfulness practice which actively encourages sending love, compassion and kind wishes to oneself, loved ones, family, friends, and difficult people in our lives and to the universe.
MP3 downloadable
Practicing Loving Kindness and Self-Compassion
Exercise 6 - Sitting with Difficult Emotions Duration: 12-17 mins
Emotions are a very important and essential part of our lives. When we experience painful emotions, we often react to them in unhelpful ways which make them worse. Mindfulness practices provide us with the opportunity to heal, to turn difficult emotions into a learning experience and a source of power and strength.
MP3 downloadable
Spanish Sitting with Difficult Emotions

If you would like further mental health support after using the Multicultural Mindfulness Resources, we encourage you to contact your GP, call the NSW Mental Health Line (Ph: 1800 011 511, 24 hours, 7 days a week), or visit Head to Health ( www.headtohealth.gov.au) for more resources and services.

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Welcome and thank you for your interest in this mindfulness audio resource. The resource is also available in , Arabic, Bangla, , Chinese - Cantonese, . The everyday challenges of these unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic result in unavoidable stress.

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Spanish-Language Resources for Child- & Family-Serving Systems

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Spanish-Language Resources for Child- & Family-Serving Systems

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- Supporting child abuse prevention in California through professional development and extended learning

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According to UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute, Latinos are the largest racial and ethnic group in California at 39% of the population (). With more than 4.3 million children ages 0-17 living in the state, Hispanic/Latino children make up 48.6% of California's youth population ( KidsData, 2021). To better serve Hispanic/Latino parents, children, and adolescents, it's important for both child- and family-serving professionals and the families you work with to have access to resources and materials in Spanish.

Child- and family-serving professionals are as diverse as the populations they serve.

The National Association of Social Workers reports that new social workers are more diverse in terms of race and ethnicity, with Hispanic/Latino making up 14% of the national workforce (). This data aligns with an accessibility survey CalTrin conducted earlier this year to better understand the individual learning needs of California's child- and family-serving professionals. Respondents indicated a strong desire for access to both Spanish-language training and resources.

In this post, we highlight resources and websites available in Spanish to help enhance learning, meet your team's specific development needs, and support the Hispanic/Latino families you serve. Visit CalTrin's page to find additional links to organizations that provide high-quality, accessible content to extend learning and professional development in child abuse prevention and family-strengthening topics.

Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors

Abriendo Puertas / Opening Doors is the first evidence-based program developed by and for Latino parents with children ages 0-5 - and adopted by diverse communities across the country. Discover free tools + resources to help build parent leadership skills and knowledge through in-person and virtual training to promote family well-being and positive outcomes for children. The website and select resources are available in .

Children's Trust Fund Alliance (The Alliance)

The Alliance is a national leader in developing effective implementation strategies, training, and resources for a Protective Factors approach in working with families. Download their Defining the Protective Factors poster, which is available in Spanish and English, and post it as a reminder of how the five factors work together to strengthen families. The Alliance has also partnered with ProSolutions Training to make available online training to support the implementation of the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework in multiple settings. The curriculum consists of seven courses, with the introductory course available in Spanish.

Explore The Alliance's need2know parent resources, which are concise, just-in-time tools that target a special need, concern, or issue. This suite of resources includes tools, infographics, and conversation guides to share parent-to-parent strategies on how they use protective factors in their everyday lives. All materials are available in both Spanish and English.

C hildren's Bureau and Child Welfare Information Gateway

Protective Factors Conversation Guides (Guía de conversación)The Protective Factors Conversation Guides can help service providers engage caregivers in personalized conversations about putting Protective Factors into practice in their everyday lives. These can be used one-on-one, as part of structured activity for a larger group, or in in-person or virtual settings. Conversation Guides are available in and . Download here.

Factores de protección para una familia fuerte (Protective Factors for a Strong Family)Cuando la vida se pone difícil, hay ciertas fortalezas, llamadas factores de protección, que pueden ayudar a los padres a superar los desafíos y unir a su familia. Esta hoja informativa de Child Welfare Information Gateway explica qué son los factores de protección y da ejemplos de cómo pueden identificarse en situaciones de la vida real. También ofrece consejos y recursos para ayudar a los padres a fortalecer y aplicar cada factor en sus propias vidas para ayudar a su familia a salir adelante.

This helps families understand what Protective Factors are and gives examples of how they can be identified in real-life situations. It also offers tips and resources to help parents and caregivers strengthen and apply each factor in their own lives to help their family thrive. .

T he Child Abuse Prevention Center

The Child Abuse Prevention Center is a statewide training, education research and resource center dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities. Access their Daily Acts to Strengthen Families tip sheet available in both and . This tip sheet outlines how parents and caregivers can show kindness towards children with ideas for every day of the month (actos de bondad hacia los niños).

National Research Center on Hispanic Children and Families

The National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families (Center) is a hub of research to help programs and policies better serve low-income Hispanic children and families. Featured resources and research cover a variety of topics, including father engagement, service delivery, co-parenting, parental mental health, building on the strengths of Latine families, and more.

Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop is a global impact nonprofit organization with a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Discover printables, videos, and more available in Spanish on topics important to your family or the families with which you work. ¿Hablas español? Descubra imprimibles, videos y otros temas para ayudar a las familias con las que usted trabaja. Ver todo aquí.

Additional Resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Explore the following Spanish-language resources available from the

The CDC's website is available in full Spanish translation (el sitio web de los CDC está disponible en español) and many of their publications are available in languages other than English.

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Learn how communities and individuals can strengthen families, protect children, and prevent child abuse and neglect. These factsheets from Child Welfare Information Gateway provide information on how communities, community leaders, and individual citizens can strengthen families, protect children, and prevent child abuse and neglect:

Browse additional publicaciones en español de Information Gateway (publications in Spanish) available on topics related to child abuse and neglect, the child welfare system, Federal legislation, and more.

FRIENDS National Center for Community Based Child Abuse Prevention

provides targeted technical assistance and training to the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) Community as well as high-quality information to the general child abuse prevention community. Explore FRIENDS resources available in Spanish, including: Parent Leadership and Appreciation Resources, Parent & Practitioner Newsletter, and stories from their Voices of Parent Leaders series. .

ZERO TO THREE

The first three years of life are the most important for lifelong mental health and well-being. ZERO TO THREE translates the science of early childhood development into real impact. Learn more about how early connections last a lifetime with ZERO TO THREE's collection of more than 130 resources in Spanish.

Healthy Steps - a program of ZERO TO THREE - created 10 handouts that offer easy-to-understand definitions and explanations of why Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are a problem and how to help protect children from toxic stress. Child- and family-serving professionals can use these handouts to share important information about ACEs toxic stress, and resilience-building interventions with parents to improve the physical, emotional, and mental health of families. Handouts in Spanish include:

Child Welfare Information Gateway

The Child Welfare Information Gateway's Resources in Spanish p ortal provides information and resources in Spanish for families, community members, and professionals on a wide range of topics related to child welfare:

Publicaciones en español de Information Gateway (Publications in Spanish): Collection of Spanish translations of Information Gateway publications to better assist Spanish-speaking families and professionals as they navigate or work within the child welfare system.

Encuentre ayuda con una situación personal (Find Help with a Personal Issue): Index of questions to address common issues faced by individuals and families, including the need for financial, emotional, or legal support.

Have a Spanish-language resource recommendation? Email us!

Oklahoma TF-CBT Therapy

Oklahoma TF-CBT Therapy provides information and resources for families considering Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), professionals interested in learning about TF-CBT treatment, and TF-CBT therapists implementing the model within the state of Oklahoma. Following is a sample of Oklahoma TF-CBT's resources available in Spanish:

Access all of Oklahoma TF-CBT's Spanish-language resources online here.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

The more we learn about how traumatic events affect children and youth, the better prepared we will be to help them recover. The offers a dedicated Información en Español page that features briefs, fact sheets, reports, tip sheets, and other support resources to help children and families who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events. View all Spanish-language resources .

Complete Websites Available in Spanish

The following websites are available in full Spanish translation:

Glossaries of Common Child Abuse Prevention and Child Welfare Terms

Child Welfare Terms: In the interest of better serving the needs of Spanish-speaking families and professionals who work with them, Child Welfare Information Gateway developed this to ensure consistency and cultural relevance in our publications. Terms are listed in alphabetical order in both English and Spanish .

Office of Child Care Spanish Language Glossary: The Administration for Children & Families Office of Child Care developed a that provides a consistent terminology database for translating child care materials from English into Spanish. This is updated periodically to ensure that the terms and translations are still representative of the language used in the field.

Head Start Bilingual Glossary: This is a searchable database of terms for rendering translations from English into Spanish or vice versa. Explore Head Start's Style Guide for Translations into Spanish for best practices that are helpful in providing meaningful information to the Spanish-speaking Head Start community.

Extend Your Learning with CalTrin

To better support the professional development goals of Hispanic/Latino learners, CalTrin is exploring training topics to offer fully in Spanish as well as looking at translation services for popular trainings. Explore our current collection of trainings and resources geared toward Spanish-speaking professionals and Hispanic/Latino families.

Training Archive - Revisit recordings and materials from prior CalTrin trainings:

CalTrin Blog - Many of our blog posts feature additional Spanish-language resources on a specific topic, including the following:

To stay informed about upcoming Spanish-language learning opportunities, subscribe to the newsletter and bookmark our page!

*Last updated June 4, 2024

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Spanish-Language Resources for Child- & Family-Serving Systems

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Spanish-Language Resources To better serve Hispanic/Latino parents, children, and adolescents, it's important for both child- and family-serving professionals and the families you work with to have access to resources and materials in Spanish.

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5 Ways Neuroscience Has Changed How I Parent

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5 Ways Neuroscience Has Changed How I Parent

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How Mindfulness Can Help Parents of Kids With Autism

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How Mindfulness Can Help Parents of Kids With Autism

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Mindfulness is one of those things that can be hard to put words to. We reference it in wellness circles and associate it with calming themes like meditation, yoga, and peaceful beaches with balancing stones. But is this all it's about?

Despite popular opinion, mindfulness is not just a series of stress- management techniques, nor is it a direct path towards peace and tranquility. Mindfulness is a way of being. It's coming face to face with our various experiences, in whatever shape they take, which can honestly feel messy at times.

I've learned this in my own study and practice of mindfulness, and more recently in my work of creating and facilitating a mindfulness group for parents of children with autism.

The parents in these groups face unique challenges and responsibilities in their parenting journeys. Many of them feel isolated, alone, and exhausted with limited direction and support. In general, parents of children with autism face higher levels of stress and poorer health than parents of children with typically developing children (Padden & James, 2017). Mindfulness, as research has revealed, offers these parents a different way forward. Instead of trying to win the war against stress itself, mindfulness encourages one to accept the stress itself and all the emotions it brings. When the internal battle with stress lessons, parents have more energy, focus, and clarity to change the things they can change.

A study in the Journal Autism looked at the relationships between child problem behavior, parent mental health problems, psychological acceptance, and parent empowerment. Psychological acceptance, researchers found, had the greatest impact on parent mental health, after controlling for other variables.

Why is this? For certain parents of children with autism, it may be impossible to change or avoid their experiences, especially if their children's behaviors are less controllable and support is not available. To this, the authors comment, "In these situations, parents need a different coping strategy, one that allows them to acknowledge their current experience without trying to change it or avoid it." Mindfulness teaches us how to do just this.

Even if you're not a parent of a child with autism, or even a parent, mindfulness can offer a unique way forward in places of suffering. It may not take away the stress of life, but it can empower us to move through it, without running from or avoiding it. Ultimately, this keeps us in the lead, allowing us to respond to life's hurdles instead of mindlessly reacting to them.

What does mindfulness look like? How do we sort through what it is and isn't? Here are a few tips to get started.

Start where you are, right now.

In my mindfulness groups, I often hear parents say they don't have the time to devote to mindfulness. A 30-minute sitting meditation would be lovely, but when exactly?

The wonderful thing about mindfulness is that we don't necessarily have to make more time for it. We can start right where we are, even while doing other things. Right now, consider your body's position and the different sensations (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste) coming in. Notice your breathing without trying to change in any way. Focusing on our senses helps pull us out of ruminating cycles and into the present moment.

For example, as you drive your car, notice your grasp on the steering wheel or the way the air conditioning feels on your face. When washing dishes, observe the water's temperature, the sound of the faucet, and the smell of the soap. When walking, observe the way your body moves, the landscape around you, and the sound of your feet on the pavement. It's easy to go into autopilot and lose ourselves in our thoughts. Pulling our attention into our present-moment experiences can help.

Become aware of your internal world

In addition to your bodily sensations, what feelings, thoughts, or emotions tend to arise? How are you experiencing them in your body? Mindfulness encourages us to expand our awareness towards our internal experiences, however pleasant or unpleasant they may be.

Here, we are invited to be with our thoughts and feelings, just as they are, without trying to change them. This helps reinforce the fact that our thoughts are just thoughts. We can notice our thinking without being swept up by all the voices.

Consider labeling your thoughts and feelings as they arise, while maintaining a non-judgmental stance: "Noticing feelings of shame here..." or, "I'm noticing I'm having the thought that I'm a failure." We can't address or move past painful experiences or thoughts unless we first recognize them for what they are.

Practice acceptance

When we experience pain, often our first instinct is to find a way out. We don't want to feel all of the negative emotions, so we plan our escape routes and think up solutions to our problems. Instinctively, just as we would pull our hands from a hot stove, we try to put upsetting thoughts or feelings out of our minds. This response is termed "experiential avoidance," which refers to our efforts to escape painful thoughts, memories, or emotions, even when doing so is costly or unnecessary.

In contrast, mindfulness encourages us to embrace our experiences without defense. This involves letting go of the struggle with our thoughts, beliefs, or opinions about our situation, and allowing things to be just as they are. When we choose to accept something about ourselves or our lives, this does not mean we have to like it or even want it. It also doesn't mean we can't work to change things. But until we practice accepting our situation the way it is, we'll remain stuck in the tension between what we hoped for, and what our reality really is. As Eckhart Tolle notes, "Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it."

It's common for parents of children with autism to struggle in accepting their child's diagnosis. Or, to accept that their reality is different from what they envisioned their parenting experiences to look like. "When I was pregnant, I had dreams of what I wanted my child's life to look like, and this isn't what I imagined," I heard one parent say. But fighting with this tension, she acknowledged, only made things harder. "After I learned how to accept this, I felt freer in my parenting and more eager to help my child be the best person she could be," I remember her saying.

Cultivate Compassion

Finally, in places of suffering, stress, or pain, recognize that you're not alone. As Dr. Kristen Neff and other self-compassion researchers note, we all experience suffering in this life. Autism parent or not, life's challenges will come. There's no need to expect perfection from ourselves, or to beat ourselves up when we don't get it "right."

A key theme in mindfulness is holding our experiences with a nonjudgmental, compassionate approach. This involves letting go of all judgments, and speaking to ourselves with kindness as we would to a close friend, or child who is struggling.

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How Mindfulness Can Help Parents of Kids With Autism

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There are many misconceptions about mindfulness. Here's what mindfulness is, how it may support parents of kids with autism, and how it can benefit us all.

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The documents posted on this server contain hypertext links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links and pointers are provided for the user's convenience. The New York State Education Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information.

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Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program seeks to improve the system of care for children and youth with special health care needs from birth and up to 21 years of age and their families.

Children served by us have an illness or condition for which they need extra health care and support services.

Children might have a serious or long-lasting:

Physical condition,

Intellectual or developmental disability, and/or

Behavioral or emotional condition.

Conditions include but are not limited to ADD or ADHD, allergies, anxiety, arthritis/joint problems, asthma, autism or autism spectrum disorder, behavioral/conduct problem, blood disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, depression, developmental delay, diabetes, Down syndrome, epilepsy/seizure disorder, genetic or inherited condition, head injury, hearing problem, heart problem, intellectual disability, learning difficulty, migraines, other mental health condition, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell anemia, speech or language disorder, substance use disorder, Tourette syndrome, and vision problem. The program is not limited to these conditions.
Please call us at 607.778.2851 for more information.

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The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program seeks to improve the system of care for children and youth with special health care needs from birth and up to 21 years of age and their families. Children served by us have an illness or condition for which they need extra health care and support services.

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The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and a complex network of nerves. It's job is to send messages back and forth between the brain and the body.

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Central Nervous System: The Brain and Spinal Cord (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth

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Central Nervous System: The Brain and Spinal Cord (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth

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Central Nervous System: The Brain and Spinal Cord (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth

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The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. Find out how they work together to control everything we do.

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Relational Trauma, Neuroplasticity, and Tools for Parents

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Relational Trauma, Neuroplasticity, and Tools for Parents

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Relational Trauma, Neuroplasticity, and Tools for Parents

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For parents, neurobiology now provides insights into how our memories affect our everyday interactions with our children, and helps us understand how we can repair the damage left by our own difficult early experiences.

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3 Somatic Exercises to Get You Out of Your Head Into Your Body

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3 Somatic Exercises to Get You Out of Your Head Into Your Body

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3 Somatic Exercises to Get You Out of Your Head Into Your Body

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Parasympathetic Nervous System Music | Healing Frequency | Sound Bath (Meditation)

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Parasympathetic Nervous System Music | Healing Frequency | Sound Bath (Meditation)

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Parasympathetic Nervous System Music | Healing Frequency | Sound Bath (Meditation)

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The Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic, Explained

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The Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic, Explained

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The Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic, Explained

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Navigating Emotional Challenges: A Guide for Parents of Children with Disabilities

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Navigating Emotional Challenges: A Guide for Parents of Children with Disabilities

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Child Psychology Resources by Dr. Tali Shenfield

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https://www.psy-ed.com/wpblog/wp-content/uploads//Navigating%20Emotional%20Challenges.mp3

In Canada, more than 1 in 10 youth are living with a disability, and over half ( 59.8%) of these youth have a learning disability. Kids affected by physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities have a broad range of experiences, from mild, selective impairment to significant challenges in multiple areas of their lives.

When provided with enough support at home and at school, most disabled kids go on to lead happy, fulfilling lives. Providing this support can take a toll on parents, however: Research shows that parents of kids with disabilities have higher levels of emotional and financial stress than other parents. They're also more likely to experience relationship problems and, in some cases, physical health issues as a result of chronic stress. Clearly, just as disabled kids need specialized care in order to thrive, the parents of these children need specific coping strategies to handle the additional emotional and financial strain they face.

If you're the parent of a disabled child, knowing which difficult feelings you're likely to have - and how to manage them when they occur - will help you take better care of yourself and your child. Knowing that experiencing negative emotions is a normal part of raising a disabled child can also combat shame and stigma and empower you as a parent. Remember: Experiencing sadness or worry doesn't mean you don't love and accept your child for who he (or she) is; it just means that helping someone who's different fit into a society designed for non-disabled people can be frustrating and tiring for everyone involved. By making time to introspect and recharge, you'll be able to address these feelings, rebound from setbacks, and fully embrace your child's successes.

5 Challenging Feelings to Expect when Parenting a Child with Special Needs

1. Grief and sadness.

All parents go through periods of sadness as their kids grow and develop, because watching children experience loss and hardship as they mature is invariably painful. If your child has a disability, this normal grief will be amplified by knowing your child has to struggle harder than other kids to achieve his goals. As you watch your child work to overcome his limitations, you'll probably cycle through profound highs and lows because his hard-won triumphs will sometimes be followed by crushing setbacks.

You may also feel sorrow and concern about the things your child is missing out on due to his condition, and worry about how his deficits will affect his adult life. For some parents, there is the added grief of having to watch their child endure painful or stressful medical treatments related to his or her disability.

2. Anger and resentment.

Advocating for a child with special needs is often fraught with obstacles. Parents of disabled children frequently struggle to get an accurate diagnosis for their child, find the right medical care, and secure funding to help manage their child's needs. In some cases, these parents also face invalidation from educators, therapists, and other professionals who assume they're handling their child's disability the wrong way. As a result, they experience feelings of frustration, anger, resentment, and helplessness. They may also resent families who don't have to go through similar trials, even if having such thoughts makes them feel irrational or ashamed.

If you experience these feelings, know that being jealous of other families isn't the same as resenting your child. It's understandable to envy parents who don't have the same workload because they get to spend more quality time with their kids, rather than having to fight so hard for their care. It's also normal to envy other families because you wish your child could enjoy similar experiences. These feelings arise because you love your child and want the best for him, so you shouldn't feel guilty for having them.

3. Loneliness and isolation.

Living in a society that isn't set up to accommodate people with disabilities can be isolating, both for disabled kids and for their parents. Your child may not be able to engage in spontaneous outings like other kids or adjust to certain environments, and you may struggle to find time for socialization due to your child's many appointments and the extra work involved in caring for him. Likewise, even if your child is able to make it to gatherings, being surrounded by "normal" kids and their parents can feel alienating. These challenges often create feelings of deep loneliness, especially for parents who are unable to build a solid support network in their area.

4. Stress and anxiety.

Even in countries with publicly-funded health care, raising a disabled child often comes with additional financial pressure. Your child will probably require assessments and treatments that aren't covered by government programs, and the extra time needed to care for a disabled child can impact parents' earning power. For families with limited means, these additional costs can create a great deal of chronic stress. You may also experience significant anxiety about how your child will cope (financially, physically, and emotionally) when you're no longer around to help them.

In addition to dealing with these concerns, parents of disabled children worry about how their child's disability will impact the rest of their family. They sometimes don't know how they'll give all of their children enough attention while meeting their disabled child's special needs, and they may feel like they're neglecting their relationship and friendships.

5. Guilt.

Many parents of special needs kids blame themselves for their child's condition or feel like they should have had their child diagnosed earlier in life. Mothers often wonder if they did something "wrong" during pregnancy (or when their child was a baby) that caused their child's difficulties. Mothers and fathers alike may feel ashamed for "missing" the signs that their child was different when he was an infant or toddler. Both parents usually think they should be doing more, or doing something differently, to better support and care for their child.

How to Manage Difficult Feelings

The first step to dealing with negative emotions is acknowledging them: Don't minimize your feelings, even if you think you're overreacting to something small, like your child not being able to attend a party due to his disability. Sometimes, apparently minor events can trigger underlying feelings of guilt, anxiety, grief, or resentment because they remind you of the magnitude of your child's challenges. When this happens, take a moment to recognize, label, and accept your feelings (without judging yourself).

Once you've processed your feelings, remind yourself that you're not alone, even if you feel isolated at that moment. There are many other parents who share the experience of raising a child with special needs, and their insights can provide you with practical strategies and coping tools. If possible, reach out to other parents who know what you're going through, either in your local community or online.

Finally, know that working with a therapist who has experience helping families affected by disability can be profoundly beneficial. In therapy, you can voice your innermost feelings without fear of judgement, learn healthy ways to manage them, and find additional resources for you and your child.

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Navigating Emotional Challenges: A Guide for Parents of Children with Disabilities

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Explore coping strategies for parents navigating the emotional aspects of raising a child with special needs. Dealing with anxiety, anger, and grief.