Counseling & Play Therapy Center

04/01/2026

Separation anxiety is tough—for both kids and parents 💜

If your child struggles when it’s time to say goodbye, you’re not alone. The good news? There are simple, supportive ways to help them feel safe, confident, and secure.

✨ Prepare them ahead of time

✨ Keep goodbyes short & predictable

✨ Validate their feelings

✨ Build trust through consistency

✨ Start small and build up

These small, intentional steps can make a big difference over time.

Remember: it’s not about eliminating the feelings—it’s about helping your child learn they can handle them ❤️

03/31/2026

💬 What to Say During a Meltdown Matters 💛

In moments of overwhelm, kids aren’t being “difficult” — they’re having a hard time. Their nervous system is in overdrive, and what they need most isn’t correction… it’s connection.

✨ During escalation:

Stay calm, use simple words, and remind them they’re safe.

🔥 At the peak:

Less talking, more presence. Your calm energy is the anchor.

🌊 During de-escalation:

Offer comfort, validate their feelings, and give space to rest.

🌱 Later:

That’s when learning happens — gently, without shame.

Your voice, your presence, and your patience make all the difference. 💙

You don’t have to fix the moment — just be there through it.

03/26/2026

✨ Did you know there are 8 key executive function skills that help kids succeed in school? ✨

From starting tasks independently to managing emotions and staying organized—these skills are the foundation for learning, confidence, and everyday success.

🧠 Skills like:

✔️ Task Initiation

✔️ Organization

✔️ Flexible Thinking

✔️ Emotional Control

✔️ Impulse Control

✔️ Self-Monitoring

✔️ Working Memory

✔️ Planning & Prioritization

These aren’t just “school skills”—they’re life skills 💡

If your child struggles with focus, organization, or emotional regulation, you’re not alone—and support can make a huge difference.

💬 Let’s help kids build the tools they need to thrive—inside and outside the classroom!

03/13/2026

💬 Behavior is Communication

Children don’t misbehave just to make life difficult for their parents. Often, difficult behavior is a child’s way of saying something they don’t yet have the words to express.

Frustration.

Overwhelm.

Fear.

Fatigue.

A need for connection.

When children struggle to communicate what they feel inside, those feelings can come out through behavior instead.

Instead of asking “How do I stop this behavior?” we can pause and ask a different question:

👉 “What is my child trying to tell me?”

When we shift from punishment to curiosity, we create space for understanding, guidance, and growth.

Every behavior is an opportunity to teach, connect, and support the child in front of us. ❤️

03/13/2026

🦩 Try the Flamingo Standing Exercise!

Some children calm their minds best by moving their bodies. When kids struggle to sit still, simple balance activities can help reset their nervous system and improve focus.

The Flamingo Stand is a fun and easy exercise to try at home:

✔️ Stand on one leg like a flamingo

✔️ Lift the other leg and hold for 10–20 seconds

✔️ Repeat 5 times on each side

This activity helps children:

✨ Improve balance and coordination

✨ Encourage deep breathing

✨ Support nervous system regulation

✨ Build body awareness

Movement can be a powerful tool for helping kids regulate their emotions and energy levels. Sometimes the best way to calm the mind is to move the body first.

Try it with your child today and see how they do! 🦩

03/13/2026

We are looking for counselors who want support, a family friendly environment, excellent colleagues, and who want to be part of our mission to provide excellent mental health care in NE Wyoming. 307-217-2161 or rose@counselingandplay.com

03/05/2026

Therapy can feel scary for kids when they don’t know what it means.

In play therapy, we help children understand:

Who they will meet.

Where they will go.

What they can do.

How therapy helps them.

When kids feel safe and understood, healing and growth can begin. 💜

Because play isn’t just play — it’s how children communicate.

03/04/2026

03/04/2026

We are HIRING! Are you a fully or provisionally licensed counselor or social worker looking for an outstanding opportunity? We are a thriving practice with offices in Buffalo, Sheridan, and Gillette. Enjoy flex scheduling, outstanding supervision and training, a full case load, focus on YOUR self-care and we are very family friendly! Excellent pay, 401K, insurance assistance, collegial environment at all offices. Please send your resume to rose@counselingandplay.com or call 307-217-2161 to find out more!

02/25/2026

Gentle Parenting: What It Is & What It Isn’t 💛

There’s a lot of misunderstanding around “gentle parenting,” so let’s clear it up.

Gentle parenting is not about letting children do whatever they want.

It’s not avoiding discipline, saying “yes” just to keep the peace, or allowing disrespectful behavior.

What it is about:

✔️ Teaching through connection, not control

✔️ Setting clear, respectful boundaries

✔️ Modeling emotional regulation

✔️ Listening with empathy

✔️ Guiding rather than punishing

✔️ Supporting the whole child — emotions and all

Gentle parenting still includes structure and discipline — it just approaches it with respect, consistency, and emotional awareness.

It’s not permissive. It’s intentional.

Connection and boundaries can exist together. In fact, they should. 💛

02/24/2026

✨ Meltdown vs. Tantrum — What’s the Difference? ✨

Not all big emotions are the same — and understanding the difference can completely change how we respond.

🔹 Tantrum:

Usually goal-driven. A child may want something, feel frustrated, or resist a limit. They’re still somewhat in control and aware of what’s happening around them. Tantrums often stop when the goal is met or when attention shifts.

🔹 Meltdown:

A response to overwhelm. This isn’t planned or chosen. It happens when a child’s nervous system is overloaded — by sensory input, fatigue, anxiety, or big emotions. In this state, the thinking brain goes offline. They’re not trying to “win” — they’re trying to cope.

💡 Why it matters:

When we know the difference, we respond differently.

✔️ Tantrum → Calm limits + skill building

✔️ Meltdown → Safety, regulation, and reduced demands

During a meltdown, reasoning doesn’t work. The brain isn’t ready. What helps most is a calm presence, lowered stimulation, and space to regulate.

❤️ The big message: Every behavior is communication.

When we shift from seeing “bad behavior” to seeing unmet needs and developing skills, we build trust, emotional safety, and long-term regulation.

Let’s respond with confidence and compassion.

02/24/2026

Just a little food for thought with the Olympics going on.