Eckroth Counseling

04/29/2026

As the school year winds down, many kids are running on empty, and it shows. It's a common theme I am hearing about lately, where you may be seeing more meltdowns, less motivation, trouble focusing, or big emotions that seem to come out of nowhere. The last few weeks of school can feel really long for growing minds and bodies.

Here are a few ways to support your child through the finish line:

☀️ Keep routines steady – Even when schedules get busy, predictable mornings, meals, and bedtimes help kids feel grounded.
☀️ Lower the pressure – Not every assignment has to be perfect. Effort matters more than perfection.
☀️ Make space for feelings – Excitement, anxiety, and exhaustion often show up together. Let them talk it out (or act it out safely).
☀️ Build in downtime – Kids need more breaks than usual this time of year. Quiet play, outdoor time, or just doing “nothing” helps reset their nervous systems.
☀️ Celebrate small wins – Seeing or hearing about your child working to finish a project or push through a tough day can be acknowledged.

And parents, let's be honest, this stretch can be hard on you too. Try to give yourself the same patience and flexibility you’re offering your child.

You’re almost there. 🎉

04/28/2026

I had a similar conversation with a parent recently, where we discussed what a journey parenting truly is. Not only are we trying to be a safe support to help our children grow, but we are also trying to learn, grow, and often re-parent ourselves.

Give yourself grace along your journey, allow yourself to reflect on your growth, and don't be afraid to lean into supports along the way. 🫶

Parenting grows us, too. 💛

Not in big, perfect ways…
but in small, everyday moments.

In how we respond.
In how we repair.
In how we keep learning, even when it’s hard.

Our children are watching—
not for perfection,
but for what it looks like to be human.

To try again.
To care.
To keep reaching.

We don’t have to have all the answers.
We just get to keep growing alongside them.

If you’d like support on that journey, we’ve gathered free resources for your family—toolkits, courses, and simple ways to build more connection at home.

You can explore them here:
bit.ly/free-GENM-Resources

04/22/2026

Great analogy for parents and kids to learn from!

We all have things take place throughout our days that add shakes to our bottle. How can you help settle yours and/or your child's today?

With the beautiful weather we are having, get outside and have some time for connection and fun together!☀️🌻

Ever noticed how a child can “hold it together” all day… then explode at home? It is also relevant for us as adults.

This is one of my favourite ways to explain why that happens — and it’s simple enough to do with a real Coke bottle.

Sit with your child and pass the bottle back and forth.
As you talk about their day, gently shake it each time a stress or trigger comes up. Share your own triggers also.
Noise. Work pressure. Friendship stuff. Trying to behave. Trying not to cry.

Then pause and ask:
“What do you think will happen if I take the top off now?”

That moment matters.

It helps children see that the explosion isn’t about being naughty or out of control — it’s about pressure building with nowhere to go.

From there, you can explore the real question:
How do we take the lid off without an explosion?

We talk about letting the bottle settle first.
Deep breathing.
Quiet time.
Food.
Movement.
Connection.
Time to decompress.

Regulation isn’t about forcing calm.
It’s about releasing pressure safely — a little at a time.

👉 You can find The Coke Bottle Activity linked in the comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

I’d love to know — what “shakes the bottle” most for your child after school?

04/14/2026

Celebrating one year of Eckroth Counseling ✨

I am feeling beyond grateful for the growth and connections that have made this first year so special. It has truly been an honor to not only walk alongside each person who has allowed me into their story, but to have also gotten the opportunity to create meaningful connections within my community.

To those who have trusted me in their vulnerable moments, thank you. To those who have provided encouragement and support in navigating the unknowns of starting a practice, thank you. This space exists because of you.

This journey has just begun, and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead.

Here’s to another year of getting to show up, hold space, and witness the strength that exists even in the hardest seasons.🌻

04/08/2026

Has your child ever said something harsh in a heated conversation? I hear this often from parents who have concerns when they hear their child say something like "I hate you". It's understandable but often misunderstood.

So, let's talk about it! When kids are angry, they sometimes say things that are hurtful or unlike them. As a parent, it can feel difficult to not take it personal. But often times, it’s not about you, it’s about big emotions they don’t know how to handle.

Here are a few ways to respond in those tough moments:

▪️ Pause before reacting
Take a breath. Remember that you are the calm to the storm they are going through in that moment. Responding calmly helps de-escalate the situation and models emotional control.

▪️ Look beyond the words
Angry statements are often a child’s way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed,” “I’m frustrated,” "Please don't leave me," or “I need help.”

▪️ Teach emotional language
Help your child put words to their feelings: “It sounds like you’re really upset right now” or "It seems like you are feeling overwhelmed".

▪️ Set clear, respectful boundaries
“I understand you’re angry, but we don’t speak to each other that way.”

▪️ Reconnect after the moment passes
Once your child is in a calm state of mind, talk it through. Conversations like these help kids to learn ways they can handle these situations differently in the future, learn the language they need to express themselves, and encourage kids to communicate with their parents in healthy ways.

▪️ Don’t take it personally
Children are still learning how to manage big feelings. Your steady presence helps them feel safe, even when they push limits.

Parenting through these moments isn’t easy, but you’re not alone. You don’t have to be perfect, just be present. Consistency, patience, and connection go a long way.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed navigating your child’s emotions, Eckroth Counseling is here to be a support for your parenting journey.

📞 Contact us at 701-695-7342
🌐 Visit www.eckrothcounseling.com to learn more

04/02/2026

Easter can bring joy—but also stress for many parents. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone.

You don’t have to do it all. A calmer holiday counts, too. Wishing you a peaceful and manageable Easter 🌷

03/25/2026

Here are some simple ways to build that connection between you and your children into your week:

✨ Car ride chats – Turn off the radio, put away the phones, and use the drive to really talk and listen.
✨ Mini “dates” – A quick walk, grabbing a snack, or even just sitting and giving full attention to have a quick conversation can go a long way.
✨ Tag-along time – Invite your child to join you on errands—it becomes your time together.
✨ Bedtime connection – Spend a few extra minutes talking about their day or sharing highs and lows.
✨ Shared hobbies – Read the same book, play a game, get crafty, or invite them to cook with you.
✨ Early morning moments – Even a few quiet minutes before the day starts to talk about their outlook on the day can go a long way.

It’s not about big plans or perfect timing—it’s about being present, even in small ways. Those little pockets of connection build trust, confidence, and lasting memories.

03/25/2026

Helpful reminder for those who have kids in the midst of state testing🌻

💡 Important Reminder!

03/18/2026

March is Social Work Month, and I’m proud to celebrate this meaningful profession as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in counseling.

Every day, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and move toward healing and growth. This work is rooted in compassion, advocacy, and a deep belief in the strength and dignity of every person.

Social workers wear many hats—listener, advocate, guide, and supporter—and I’m honored to be part of a profession dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

To my fellow social workers: thank you for the heart, dedication, and tireless work you bring to our communities. And to those I’ve had the privilege to support—thank you for your trust. 🌻

03/11/2026

What is one type of sentence that every child would benefit from hearing more?

“I’m really thankful you’re my child.”

Simple. But powerful.

Kids need to know that love and belonging aren’t based upon behavior, grades, or performance.

Just hearing those words can strengthen a child’s sense of safety and self-worth.

And you can never say it too much.

03/04/2026

Parenting is one of the most rewarding roles in the world — but it’s also one of the most exhausting.

Here’s a gentle reminder: taking care of yourself is NOT selfish. It’s necessary.

A few simple self-care tips for parents:

✨ Schedule “me time” like an appointment. Even 15–30 minutes to read, walk, journal, or sit in silence can reset your energy.

✨ Have realistic expectations for yourself. Not every meal has to be homemade. Not every toy has to be picked up immediately. Give yourself grace.

✨ Ask for help without guilt. Whether it’s a partner, family member, or friend — no parent should ever feel they have to do it alone.

✨ Prioritize sleep when possible. A well-rested you is better equipped to lead, love, parent, work, and handle whatever the day brings.

✨ Stay connected to who you are outside of being “Mom” or “Dad.” Your interests, friendships, dreams, and passions matter. Nurturing them keeps you energized, inspired, and emotionally healthy — which only strengthens the way you show up for your family.

✨ Talk kindly to yourself. If you wouldn’t say it to your child, don’t say it to yourself.

Remember: a regulated, rested parent creates a more peaceful home. You deserve care too.

What’s one small thing you can do for yourself this week?

02/25/2026

The teenage years can be challenging — full of change, pressure, and self-discovery. As parents and caregivers, we play a powerful role in helping our teens build strong self-esteem and lasting confidence.

Here are some simple but powerful ways to support them:

🌱 Listen Without Judgment
Create a safe space where they feel heard. Sometimes they don’t need solutions — they just need understanding.

👏 Praise Effort, Not Just Results
Celebrate hard work, resilience, and progress — not just grades or achievements. This builds a growth mindset.

💬 Encourage Healthy Self-Talk
Help them challenge negative thoughts and replace them with realistic, positive ones.

🎯 Support Their Interests
Whether it’s sports, art, coding, music, or something else — showing genuine interest in what they love strengthens their confidence.

🤝 Teach Healthy Boundaries
Help them understand it’s okay to say “no” and to protect their values and well-being.

❤️ Model Confidence Yourself
Teens learn more from what we do than what we say. Show self-respect, self-care, and resilience in your own life.

📱 Monitor Social Media
Have open conversations about comparison, online pressure, and digital well-being.

🌟 Remind Them They Are Enough
Not because of what they achieve — but because of who they are.

Building self-esteem is not about perfection. It’s about connection, encouragement, and consistent support.

Let’s raise teens who believe in themselves!