Calm and Connected Podcast

About this podcast

Calm and Connected is created by Janine Halloran, an experienced counselor and mom. Janine gives quick tips and helpful information about coping skills and play

Calm and Connected Podcast

Episodes

Season 1
Using a Question Box to Encourage Conversations
When I think back to my time as a school counselor, my best memories are laughter and connection during lunch groups. Lunch groups are a great way to get to know a lot of students throughout the year. It’s also an excellent way for children to meet new peers and potentially make new friends. What I thought was the best part was the natural opportunity to practice conversations. The way I would encourage conversations is by using a question box. Please take a listen to hear what social skills we practiced in lunch groups using this simple technique. BONUS - these questions can be used during remote learning and at home too! RESOURCES 40 Conversation Starter Questions Lunch Group Questions Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.encourageplay.com/encourage-play-newsletter Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
September 10, 2020
8 min
Three Benefits of Using Distraction Coping Skills
As you may know, at Coping Skills for Kids, I divide coping skills into 5 types: Relaxation Movement Sensory Processing Distraction In this episode of the podcast, I’m focused on distraction coping skills, which include things like playing and fun activities. Distraction coping skills aren’t meant to help kids avoid or suppress their feelings. Take a listen to the podcast to hear the three benefits of using distraction as a coping skill, and for some resources that you can get from Coping Skills for Kids. Calm & Connected Podcast - The Five Coping Styles Calm and Connected Podcast - How Play and Coping Skills are Connected Would You Rather Questions Coping Cue Cards Distraction Deck Sign up for the Newsletter: copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
August 27, 2020
8 min
Back to School Coping Skills for Kids and Families
In this podcast episode, I don’t discuss how to send kids back to school safely. Instead, I discuss coping strategies that families can use, whether kids are back at school full time, remote learning, homeschooling, or learning in a pod. Take a listen for some ideas of things you can do to help yourself and your family as you navigate these uncharted waters. Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
August 13, 2020
9 min
Using Art and Poetry to Explore Perspective Taking with Kids
Last year, I did a whole series of perspective taking on the Calm & Connected Podcast, but I wanted to revisit the topic and discuss two other ways I like to explore perspective-taking with kids. Why do I keep talking about this topic? It’s a building block for empathy, a skill we all want to build in our kids. For two more ways to work on perspective-taking using art and poetry, listen to the podcast Resources The Blind Men and the Elephant https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/the-blind-men-and-the-elephant Another version of the story found at Peace Corps https://www.peacecorps.gov/educators/resources/story-blind-men-and-elephant/ Calm & Connected Podcast Perspective Taking Part 1 Perspective Taking Part 2 Perspective Taking Part 3 Perspective Taking Part 4 Perspective Taking Part 5 Sign up for the newsletter to get 5 free activities! https://www.encourageplay.com/encourage-play-newsletter Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
July 30, 2020
6 min
Using Dominoes to Show How Kindness Can Spread
In this podcast episode, I share this simple yet powerful visual activity to help kids see how kind acts can spread and make a positive impact. I also share some wisdom from Dr. Alan Chu from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay about the ripple effect of sending gratitude letters, and small acts of kindness. Take a listen! Dr. Alan Chu Random Acts of Kindness Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
July 16, 2020
5 min
Unique Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Summer
A social distancing summer looks super different, right? Back in January, I had major plans to go to museums and take day trips with my kids. Most of that has gone out of the window. What are we doing instead? Instead, we're choosing to explore outdoor spots that are new to us and close by. Last week, we went on a hike to a place we'd never been before, and they were limiting how many people were going in, so that felt safe in terms of our ability to keep the appropriate social distance. I wanted to hear ideas from others with unique ways to keep kids busy this summer, and I got a ton of responses. Visit the podcast page for this episode to see all of the fantastic ideas. https://janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-69 Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
July 2, 2020
9 min
Create More Kindness by Being Kind
We create more kindness by being kind. -Katie Hurley In this podcast, I talk about how I got inspired to record this after reading a post on Katie Hurley’s Facebook wall. I also talk about how kindness is related to friendship and social skills, and I give a few ideas to help get you started in doing some kind acts, wherever you are. Take a listen! Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
June 18, 2020
6 min
Channeling Big Emotions into Positive Energy
There are a lot of big emotions happening right now, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share a coping skill that I wrote about in the Coping Skills for Teens Workbook - Channeling Big Emotions into Positive Energy. Take a listen to the podcast as I read this section of the book. My hope is that you are inspired to use your energy in a positive way. Coping Skills for Teens Workbook: teencopingskills.com Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
June 4, 2020
6 min
Six Books about Feelings for Kids
Books are a great way to start conversations about feelings with kids. Here are six of my favorites: How Are You Peeling? By Saxton Freymann You’re a Crab: A Moody Day Book by Jenny Whitehead My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis Glad Monster Sad Monster by Ed Emberley The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld To hear more about these books, take a listen! Resources Coping Skills for Kids Activity Books: Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
May 21, 2020
7 min
The Power of Journaling
Whenever I sit down and talk with someone about their coping skills, one of the first things I ask is if they have tried writing about it, in particular, my middle school and high school clients. I do this for several reasons: It’s easier to write about than talk about hard things. Journaling helps you process what’s happening. It’s convenient. It’s not graded It can help you solve a problem It can help you re-frame your thinking To hear more about what I mean, take a listen! Resources Quick kid friendly video about why journaling is awesome: https://youtu.be/9DuraYFfIas This is one of the coping skills in the coping skills for teens workbook. Check that out over at copingskillsforkids.com/teens Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
May 7, 2020
5 min
The Challenges and Silver Linings of COVID-19
This COVID-19 world is a strange place to be. I got en email recently where someone was talking about this being the best of times and the worst of times, and it rang true for me. This time is both challenging and good. It’s challenging because: Scary things are happening right now. How long will this last? How are my loved ones with COVID-19 doing? I’m worried about my loved ones and essential workers in my life, who have to go out frequently. I’m concerned about the doctors and nurses who are on the front lines. It’s good because: It reminds me to pay attention and be grateful for the small things. I’m thankful for things like chats with my kids, more family time, and having kind neighbors. I’m also grateful for video games and light traffic when I’m dropping off food for my mom. Here are a few other thoughts I share in the podcast -Although every day may not be good, there is good in every day. -Recognize that we are living life at a higher stress level than we did three months ago. -Name your feelings to help manage them. And help your kids/students name their feelings too. -Some days will be awesome. Some days will be terrible, no good, very bad days. Some days will be both. -Give yourself grace. Give your family and friends grace. Give strangers grace. Resources YouTube Channel Downloadable Resources Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
April 23, 2020
7 min
Ways to Stay Connected Even When We're Apart
Staying in touch and talking with others can increase our joy and lessen our sorrow. This time in our lives is challenging, and continuing to give and get support from friends and family is a way to cope with all the stress we feel. In this podcast episode, I discuss some ideas for keeping in touch with one another even when we’re physically apart. There are lots of ways to stay connected even when we can’t share the same space. Take a listen! Resources Mentioned in the Podcast YouTube Channel Downloadable Resources Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
April 9, 2020
9 min
New Resources on YouTube coming soon!
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been getting requests for play ideas and coping skills kids can use, so I’ve been thinking about ways that I can get more information and resources available. I’m going to be making short videos on YouTube with simple play ideas and simple coping skills kids can use. They are kid-appropriate, so they can watch and then try the play idea or do the coping skill. What this means for the Calm & Connected Podcast: Like you, I’m adjusting to my new routine and figuring out what I can and can’t do. Because I want to focus on giving more resources over on YouTube, I’ve decided to make the podcast available as audio-only, and I will probably be posting less frequently (every other week instead of every week). Also, during this podcast episode, I share the phrase that I’ve been trying to live by over the last few weeks. “Be the thermostat, not the thermometer.” We, as adults, need to set the tone of our homes. I’m being very deliberate about doing that in my home. It’s not perfect, but I’m consciously trying to set a good healthy example for my family, and I encourage you to do the same. Take a break from the news. Give yourself grace. Find something that brings you joy and do it. Resources Mentioned in the Podcast YouTube Channel Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others.
March 26, 2020
6 min
Coping Skills for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
This is such a hectic and strange time. I had plans to talk about something completely different during this podcast episode, but things have significantly ramped up in terms of school closures, working from home, and other disruptions due to the spread of COVID-19. So, I put other things on hold, and I started writing in an effort to help families. I wanted to offer some suggestions for kids and adults to help deal with the stress and anxiety that is happening right now. Take a listen to hear about some coping skills I recommend we all use now, plus see the resources below to get more support. Resources Mentioned in the Podcast Awesome Play Ideas for Families at Home - Encourage Play Coping with Coronavirus - Coping Skills for Kids Family Activities E-book Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others. If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
March 19, 2020
9 min
A Coping Skill that "Literally" Works, According to a Teen
"Literally, it worked!" Recently, one of my teen clients said about the coping skill I cover in this podcast. I'm always thrilled when a coping skill works for a client of mine. She struggles with anxiety, and we've talked about a ton of different coping skills, but this was the first time she ever used that phrasing. To hear more about what this coping skill is, take a listen. Resources Mentioned in the Podcast Negative self-talk episode of the Calm & Connected Podcast #32 Coping Skills for Teens Pre-Order Now! Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others. If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
March 12, 2020
6 min
Using Toothpaste & Harry Potter To Help Kids Understand the Power of their Words
On today’s podcast, I quickly re-visit one of my favorite ways to help kids see the impact their words can have on others. Then I talk about two more ways to help kids & teens understand the impact their words can have on other people. It's a great way to encourage them to think before they speak (or post). Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll hear: A silly visual activity which involves toothpaste and a paper plate For the Harry Potter fans, a conversation starter about the impact of words based on Snape and Lily Potter’s friendship Resources mentioned in the podcast: Chrysanthemum and the Wrinkled Heart Activity Social Skills for Kids by Janine Halloran Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others. If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
March 5, 2020
6 min
Teens and Coping Skills
Can I tell you something? I LOVE working with teens. The conversations I have with adolescents can be full of sarcasm, but at the heart of every one of those talks is that they want to be heard. What’s interesting is that a lot of the same strategies I use for younger kids work for teens too (and even adults). Even though the strategies are similar, there are a few critical points to keep in mind when working with teens. Take a listen if you are living with or working with teens! Resources Mentioned in the Podcast Progressive Muscle Relaxation YouTube Video Coping Skills for Teens - Sign up here! Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others. If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
February 27, 2020
9 min
Help! Kids aren't using their coping skills! What do I do?
Whenever I’m speaking to families or professionals working with kids about their coping skills, I always get the question, “They aren’t using their coping skills! What do I do?” In this podcast, I share a few tips and mindset strategies to use when working with kids who are having a hard time managing their feelings. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that it will not go smoothly the first time or 100% of the time. Please take a listen to hear some other helpful tips to help kids more consistently use their coping skills. Resources Mentioned in the Podcast Coping Skills Checklist Digital Cue Cards Coping Cue Cards Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others. If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
February 20, 2020
8 min
Three Fun Ways to Practice Working Together
Sometimes kids need a little practice on working together as a group. In this episode of the podcast, I discuss three different activities you can do to create some teachable moments around working together in groups. Take a listen and get playing! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Social Skills for Kids by Janine Halloran Other podcast episodes you may enjoy… Why I Love Playdates Episode 15 of the Calm and Connected Podcast 8 Tips for a Successful Playdates Episode 17 of the Calm and Connected Podcast Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others. If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
February 13, 2020
6 min
How to Make a Calm Down Kit at Five Below
Calm down kits are a fantastic way to help kids keep their coping skills accessible for times when they need to calm down. Sometimes it can be referred to as a coping skills toolkit. Whatever name you use, what it means is that there is an actual physical container that houses items kids can use to help calm down and express their emotions in healthy ways. There are lots of places you can go to get items for a calm down kit. One of my favorites is Five Below. This store has only been in my area for a few years, and while their items change regularly, I can always find some awesome things to go into a calm down spot for home or school. On a recent trip, I took pictures of what I would put in a coping skills toolkit. Listen to what I found! Resources Mentioned in the Podcast How to Create a Coping Skills Toolkit Episode 23 of the Calm and Connected Podcast How to Make a Calm Down Kit at Target Episode 41 of the Calm and Connected Podcast How to Make a Calm Down Kit at Michael’s Episode 41 of the Calm and Connected Podcast How to Make a Calm Down Kit at Oriental Trading Episode 49 of the Calm and Connected Podcast Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when new episodes are launched. If you are enjoying this podcast, please review the podcast and share with others. If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!
February 6, 2020
6 min

Calm and Connected Podcast

About this podcast

Categories

About this podcast

Categories

Calm and Connected Podcast

Episodes

Using a Question Box to Encourage Conversations

Three Benefits of Using Distraction Coping Skills

Back to School Coping Skills for Kids and Families

Using Art and Poetry to Explore Perspective Taking with Kids

Using Dominoes to Show How Kindness Can Spread

Unique Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Summer

Create More Kindness by Being Kind

Channeling Big Emotions into Positive Energy

Six Books about Feelings for Kids

The Power of Journaling

The Challenges and Silver Linings of COVID-19

Ways to Stay Connected Even When We're Apart

New Resources on YouTube coming soon!

Coping Skills for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

A Coping Skill that "Literally" Works, According to a Teen

Using Toothpaste & Harry Potter To Help Kids Understand the Power of their Words

Teens and Coping Skills

Help! Kids aren't using their coping skills! What do I do?

Three Fun Ways to Practice Working Together

How to Make a Calm Down Kit at Five Below