DIY Scratch Art Painting — Encourage Play
We help kids learn social skills through play. We provide simple and intentional play activities for families. We also have resources for school counselors and parents available in our store.
My name is Janine Halloran and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over a decade of experience, working mostly in elementary and middle school settings. I’m also a mother to two children. If there is one thing I’ve learned as a counselor and as a mom, it is that play is vital for children. The Official Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics puts it perfectly: “Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth.”
However, some kids really struggle with learning how to play with their peers. Some things I've heard from the parents of my students are “my kid doesn't know what to do on a play date” or “they get confused and overwhelmed as soon as we walk through the door” or “they invite somebody over and then they don't play with them, what do I do?!” These kids have a hard time figuring out what to do on play dates. They may be shy, reluctant to make connections with others or they may get easily overwhelmed in social settings. The thing they all have in common is that it can be a challenge for them to be on a typical play date. They need a little bit more structure to help create a successful experience. Our goal is to provide families with the tools and resources that will allow children to flourish in play.
