Positive Problem Solving
We can help children learn to solve problems – a key part of resilience!
Critical thinking, self-control, planning, persistence, and reasoning skills help children solve problems and make good decisions. Grown-ups can help little ones build these skills during everyday moments, and it’s important to first help children feel safe to try, try, and try again!
Watch this short video to learn these simple strategies for building these skills:
- Connect – create an environment in which children feel safe to try
- Identify – help kids express problems in their own words
- Think – encourage kids to consider different solutions
- Try – cheer kids on and let them know that sometimes we have to keep trying!
After watching, take a look at Teaching Belly Breathing and Elmo’s School Friends to help put these strategies into practice.
Monster Meltdown
Meltdowns happen… but they are somewhat predictable! As you try to handle them, curiosity and patience go a long way.
Listen, Feel, and See with Elmo
When children are in the hospital, this mindfulness game can help them soothe themselves.
Cookie Monster’s Beach Day
When children are in the hospital, their imagination can become a valuable tool in soothing themselves.
Safe & Together
When families have to leave home in order to stay safe, it helps to remember that home is where the love is.
Bubble Time
A quiet activity such as blowing bubbles can help both children and adults breathe deeply, slow down… and calm down.
Toddler Tips: Meltdowns
Strategies for during and after a meltdown…and even some ways meltdowns might be avoided.
Using Your Words
A coloring page helping children explore words for big feelings.
