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Counseling Center

January 24, 2019 By laurenschiff

Talking at MOPS

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Guess what? The new school year is like a brand-ne

How’s it going with the back-to-school hustle??

How’s it going with the back-to-school hustle?? If you or your kids are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, we've got some super cool strategies to help you keep your head above water! 💪

First off, deep breaths. Seriously, taking a moment to inhale the good vibes and exhale the worries can work wonders. Try this: breathe in slowly for a count of four, hold for four, and then release for another four counts. You'll feel the calm settling in like a cozy blanket.

Now, here's a neat trick – the power of positive thinking! Encourage your kiddos (and hey, even yourselves!) to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of "What if things go wrong?" try "What if things go really, really right?"

It's like flipping a switch in our minds! 🌟✨

Remember that talking is like magic for the soul. If you're feeling a bit anxious, let your loved ones know. Chances are, they've felt it too and might have some awesome advice to share. And parents, create a safe space for your kids to express their feelings – no judgment, just understanding.

And for a sprinkle of relaxation, how about trying a mini mindfulness moment? Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Imagine each breath melting away any tension. Feel better already? That's the magic of mindfulness. 🧘♀️🌼

Lastly, let's remember that a little self-care goes a long way. Encourage your kiddos to do something they love, whether it's drawing, reading, or dancing around the living room. And parents, treat yourselves too – you deserve it!

So there you have it, my anxiety-busting toolkit for the back-to-school adventure. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and we're here to support each other every step of the way. 🌟🌈 Feel free to drop a comment or share your own relaxation techniques below!

Feeling a pang of back-to-school sadness that your

Feeling a pang of back-to-school sadness that your child is another year older and growing up maybe a little too fast?

Use these journaling prompts to work through your feelings and learn valuable insights about yourself:

✍️Reflect on Your Journey: Write about the moments you've cherished with your children over the years. Recall the milestones, adventures, and even the everyday joys that have shaped your relationship.

✍️Embrace the New: Explore the opportunities that this new phase of life brings. What are some personal goals or interests you'd like to pursue now that you have more time and space?

✍️Acknowledge Your Feelings: Describe the emotions you're experiencing as your children head back to school. Allow yourself to be honest about any sadness, excitement, or nostalgia you're feeling.

✍️Celebrate Your Role: Reflect on your role as a parent and the impact you've had on your children's lives. Write down the qualities and values you've instilled in them.

✍️Create New Routines: Outline new routines you'd like to establish for yourself now that there's more free time during the day. How can you fill your time with activities that bring you joy?

✍️Stay Connected: Brainstorm ways to stay connected with your children despite the distance. Whether it's regular phone calls, video chats, or planned visits, jot down ideas to nurture your bond.

✍️Explore Self-Care: Write about self-care practices that can help you navigate this transition. How can you prioritize your well-being and find joy in your own company?

✍️Remember Your Identity: Reflect on who you are outside of being a parent. What hobbies, interests, or passions have taken a back seat that you'd like to rediscover?

✍️Document New Experiences: Describe any new experiences or activities you've tried since your children went back to school. This could include trying a new class, picking up a hobby, or exploring new places.

[continued in comments]

By now, you’re immersed in the back-to-school se

By now, you’re immersed in the back-to-school season. There is so much “new” things our kids are embracing,and for us parents too! It’s a really cool way to embrace what life has ahead. Change, new seasons, new beginnings are a part of life. This is an incredible opportunity for growth🌱💪

So, how do we dive into this adventure headfirst? 🏊♀️ First, let's remember that change is a natural part of life. Just like the leaves change colors in the fall, our routines also evolve as we step into a new school year. 🍂📚

Here's a thought: instead of fearing the unknown, let's look at it as a chance to learn, adapt, and create new family rhythms. It's like getting a fresh canvas to paint the masterpiece of the upcoming months!

But hey, we're in this together. Whether your little one is starting kindergarten or your teenager is heading to high school, let's keep the lines of communication open. Talk to your kids about their hopes, dreams, and worries. Share your own feelings too – remember, we're all navigating these waters!

And if you catch yourself feeling a bit wistful as the kids grow up, that's totally okay. It's all part of the beautiful journey of parenthood. 🌈👨👩👧👦 Let's celebrate the amazing memories we've created and look forward to the new ones waiting just around the corner.

So, here's to embracing change, cherishing the moments, and supporting one another through this back-to-school transition! 🎉📝 Check the comments for 5 affirmations to help you work through the stress of the season 💙✨

Parents!! We've packed YOUR backpack.... Can we

Parents!! We've packed YOUR backpack....

Can we just agree, this whole "back to school" season is a LOT for kids and parents???

Personal Confession: I forgot to order my kids school supplies this year. I felt a horrible panic (plus major mom guilt) when my daughter told me there was no box for her or my son. A+ mom moment!! LOL :) We went "old school" hitting up the stores and fixed it. But, that's just the physical part of BTS.

There's a bigger challenge for BTS and that's the emotional side.

As parents, we watch our kids get older, taller, as we mark one more trip around the sun. I find myself in a "countdown" for when the kids leave for college. I say, only 5 more Thanksgivings, 5 more birthdays....When I look at posts of people dropping their kids off for college, it takes my breath away.

I think it's because it reminds me that time is limited. It's a gift. And, it's not slowing down. This time of year always "gets me" for a few days. I like to say I'm "in it." Which means I have a lot of mixed feelings -- anxiety, sadness, irritability, and excited for what's ahead.

For our kids, they face a new year, new teacher, new locker, new classroom, new lunch table, new friends, new schedule, new academics, new teams, new coaches, new activities.....it's A LOT of "new" for anyone.

Our kids have to bravely face the NEW'S of life. Each and every human on this planet, handles and processes NEW differently.

We are here to help in any way. In fact, we know you parents have worked hard to pack your kids back packs, so consider this our humble attempt to PACK YOUR BACKPACK!! We're here for you. If you're ready, we're ready.

- Psychiatric evals available same-day
- Medication management
- Virtual Reality biofeedback (covered by insurance!)
- Parent Support Group
- Tips from a School Social Worker (tips on anxiety) blog post

We can do this together.

And if you see me crying in my car, just know this is my "in it" week. We're all just trying our best!

All My Love,
Lauren Schifferdecker
owner of Inspire

Here's a list of thoughtful gestures and actions t

Here's a list of thoughtful gestures and actions to show your partner how much you appreciate them:

💖 Surprise them with a heartfelt handwritten note expressing your gratitude for their presence in your life.
💖 Plan a date night centered around their favorite activities, showing them that you pay attention to their interests and desires.
💖 Cook their favorite meal or treat them to a special dinner to show your appreciation through their taste buds.
💖 Take the time to actively listen to them without interruption or distraction, making them feel truly heard and valued.
💖 Plan a weekend getaway or a day trip to create new memories together and remind them of the joy they bring to your life.
💖 Offer a genuine compliment, highlighting a specific quality or action that you appreciate about them.
💖 Surprise them with a small, meaningful gift that reflects their interests or a shared memory that holds significance for both of you.
💖 Take care of a task or responsibility they usually handle, giving them a break and showing that you notice and want to support them.
💖 Engage in acts of service, such as preparing their morning coffee or tidying up the house, to alleviate some of their stress and make their day easier.
💖 Plan a surprise outing or experience that aligns with their passions or hobbies, demonstrating your thoughtfulness and effort.
💖 Show physical affection through hugs, kisses, and cuddling, reassuring them of your love and appreciation.
💖 Express your appreciation publicly, whether through a social media post or telling friends and family about their incredible qualities.
💖 Engage in activities together that they enjoy, even if it's not your personal preference, to show that their happiness matters to you.
💖 Take the time to learn something new about them, their interests, or their aspirations, showing that you're invested in their growth and dreams.
💖 Remind them verbally, and often, of how grateful you are to have them by your side, using words to express your appreciation and love.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #therapist #relationshippodcast

Ready or not, it’s a new school season! A new ye

Ready or not, it’s a new school season! A new year!!

We’re here with WIDE OPEN ARMS to support you & your family to thrive this year.

This week & next - we have openings for psychiatry & counseling. Same-Day appts available!!

We are in-network with several insurances, convenient locations in #northbrook, #lakeforest, #kenilworth and #evanston (this fall!!!).

We’re ready, when you’re ready. 😘

No matter what- please know we’re rooting for you and want you to have the next year of your life.

To schedule, call (847) 919-9096 x1 or hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com.

We’ve already established that relationships tak

We’ve already established that relationships take hard work. 💪

It's all too easy to fall into the trap of focusing on the negative aspects of our loved ones and those we share our lives with. 😔

However, by shifting our perspective and consciously catching them doing things right, we invite more joy, appreciation, and harmony into our connections. 🌟🤗🎶

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's common to notice and highlight our loved ones' mistakes or shortcomings. Yet, what if we flipped the script? Instead of dwelling on the negatives, let's make a conscious effort to catch them doing things right. By shifting our focus, we unlock a world of appreciation and enjoyment, both for ourselves and for those we cherish. 💖🌼

Appreciation doesn't always require grand gestures. It's often found in the little things—the thoughtful actions, the kind words, the simple acts of support. Expressing gratitude for knowing our favorite ice cream flavor, acknowledging the effort put into looking nice, or thanking them for taking care of daily tasks like picking up the kids or doing the laundry. These small acts, when noticed and appreciated, create a positive ripple effect in our relationships. 🙏🌟💕

By consciously choosing to appreciate the positive aspects of our loved ones, we pave the way for increased happiness and contentment. We free ourselves from the grip of irritations and frustrations, allowing space for joy to flourish. By recognizing and expressing gratitude for the things that bring us happiness, we create a ripple effect of happiness within our relationships. ✨🌈😊

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #therapist #relationshippodcast

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