Welcome to YNot Counseling!

In our busy lives we have so many things to do and at times we may feel there is not enough time in a day to get everything done. So what do we do? We find ourselves cutting out important things like the gym, gatherings with family and friends, or even taking the time to make a healthy meal. We sacrifice these things just to finish what we feel needs to get done. We do not hesitate to put self-care in the backseat, even forgetting about it at times. But that behavior will come back to bite us. How? Neglecting ourselves by not investing in self-care result in our emotional, physical and mental faculties revealing how much they do not appreciate being ignored (manifesting in anxiety, anger, poor health, depression, etc). Our body needs to know that it is important and that we cherish it.   When we practice self-care we:  boost our self-esteem,  establish boundaries that keep us attentive keep ourselves motivated maintain a healthier lifestyle help to reduce/manage stress

This afternoon I came across a video that was shared in a Facebook group and I spent twenty minutes really taking in a wealth of excellent information that I must share with you.  I am a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child.  When a challenging kid is in our path how do we respond?  Do we send them to another classroom because we need a break from them? Do we change their color chart? Do we send them to the office? Or send a note home?  There are other ways that educators have found to address challenging kids in an effort to have them understand they have stepped out of line.  But in the end do we get the result that we need in order for the student to be successful?  Are we getting to the root of "why" the student is doing it and not just looking at "what" the student is doing?  The following video sheds light and gives pointers that I hope you take away and implement in the upcoming school year and beyond. I mentioned at the beginning that

When is the last time that you held the door open for the person behind you? Or, helped someone get an item off a shelf in the grocery store?  Or, help someone who has fallen on the floor?  In today's life we are so busy that we often don't take time to stop and observe the more important things.  And those important things are often not being taught to our children.  It is so important to show our young ones the importance of being kind and their role in creating a kind climate. As educators we have the opportunity to demonstrate what kindness is to our students.  We also can show them by way of activities and interactions. During Kindness Week try one of the following activities in your elementary school!  If not one of the following do something positive to change the culture in your school.  Whatever we do as educators let's do something to ignite change by way of kindness! Bingo Game! Bundle of Kindness Games Bucket Filler Activity

2018 is moments away.  For those of us in education it is almost time to cross the threshold of our schools and welcome our students back!  So they have been home from a few days to two weeks, depending on where you live.  What's the first thing you do AFTER reviewing rules and expectations? I talk about goals for the new year.  The conversation is not limited to the school year because I want students to think beyond the current school year.  We talk about things we did last year that proved successful and things that didn't.  We talk about behaviors that need to be left in the last year and behaviors we can work on in the new year. We talk on skills we need to sharpen to make sure we reach our goals. I use A New Year, A New Me resource (which can be found below). A New Year, A New Me  is the perfect activity for grades PreK-6.  It encompasses whole group, teamwork and individual work.  Students will have fun and enjoy talking about being successful! Purchase at YNot C

As an educator we have the tendency to be self-less. We find ourselves at times over-extending ourselves, which can ultimately lead to burn-out.  We look for ways to be a part of the change in the life of someone that has not tapped into their potential.  We seek unexplored avenues to uncover the greatness that we envision for the future.  We put in over time knowing compensation is not an option.  We make ourselves visible after hours and on weekends to show up for the game of a student that needs to know that someone cares.  We reach out to our co-workers as we collect more data to strengthen the plan that has yet to be set in motion.  We advocate for the one with no voice because their thoughts matter.  We seek a deeper understanding of how this could be happening to someone that should be enjoying their innocence not have it ruined by experience.  We are constantly looking to save our students, so to speak. Even as we leave work and we turn our ignition over to leave the physical

I am going to keep this short and sweet.  YNot Counseling is hosting its first official give away beginning Monday, August 7th!  What's being given away, you ask?!  Patience, patience my dear! 😊  YNot Counseling will be giving TWO people the opportunity to get ONE of the following resources:   "All About Me" Card Game  or  "All About Me" Pennant, Dice, and Comic Strip .  All you have to do is click the All About Me link below and follow the directions!  Then go to my Facebook page and comment which resource that you want!  It's that simple!!! YNot Counseling First Official Giveaway!