❓ How can parents support their children in managing overwhelming emotions and ensure they feel safe and heard at home?

📝 In this insightful episode of Whinypaluza, host Rebecca Greene and guest Tricia Thornton, Therapist, Author, Speaker, explore the world of play therapy and its profound impact on children. Tricia shares why creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for helping kids express their feelings and how parents can model healthy emotional regulation. Tricia, a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist, shares her journey into counseling, inspired by her mother's career, and her approach to empowering children and parents alike. They also touch on the challenges parents face in today's fast-paced world, including the pressures of perfectionism and managing post-pandemic stress.

✅ Key Takeaways:

Safety First: Create a safe space for your child to express their emotions without judgment.

Model Healthy Behavior: Children mirror their parents' behavior, so it's crucial to model calm and healthy ways of dealing with stress.

Play as a Language: Understand that play is a child's natural way of processing their emotions and experiences.

Parent Self-Care: It's vital for parents to take care of their own emotional needs to avoid burnout and be more present for their kids.

Embrace Imperfection: It's okay not to be a perfect parent. What matters most is being there and trying your best.

💬 Quotes:

"Children need to feel seen and heard to truly open up and express their emotions."

"Play therapy allows kids to explore their inner world in a way that feels safe and natural to them."

"As parents, our own self-regulation is key to helping our kids learn to manage their big emotions."

📱 How to Reach Tricia:

Website: triciathornton.com

Instagram: @triciathorntontherapy

Facebook: Tricia Thornton Therapy

LinkedIn: Tricia Thornton Therapy

You can find Tricia’s book Blessing From Fear anywhere books are sold, or order directly from her website. Tune in to her Instagram for her "Two Minutes with Tricia Thornton" videos every Tuesday and Thursday, where she shares tips for parents and self-care advice for adults.

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