100 episodes

Calm and Connected is created by Janine Halloran, an experienced counselor and mom. Janine gives quick tips and helpful information about coping skills and play

Calm and Connected Podcast Janine Halloran

    • Kids & Family
    • 4.9 • 28 Ratings

Calm and Connected is created by Janine Halloran, an experienced counselor and mom. Janine gives quick tips and helpful information about coping skills and play

    Books to Help Kids with OCD

    Books to Help Kids with OCD

    OCD can manifest itself in different ways with different obsessions and focus that are going on in your life. Children’s author, Marin Canaday describes OCD feeling like a monster devouring your emotions and feelings, where you could get to the point where you feel out of control and you begin to believe the lies the OCD obsessions tell you about yourself. 

    Marin joins me today in this episode and we discuss some of the following areas: 

    Marin discusses how the idea for her book, My Little Monster came about

    Doubting yourself and OCD

    Contamination and germs and OCD

    Religion and OCD

    Harm and OCD 

    Hiding symptoms and coping strategies

    Getting diagnosed

    How Marin likes to rest and relax

    About The Guest - Marin Canaday

    Marin grew up with OCD from an early age, although she was not sure what it was that she struggled with until her 30's. A lot of her struggle was internal. As a child, she found that studying and sports helped take my mind off of the OCD thought patterns. When she studied or played a sport, she felt like she had a brain break, so she threw herself into both with vigor. Her study habits paid off, and Marin graduated in the top of her classes in both high school and college. She also went on to play collegiate volleyball, earning All American honors in her senior year. 

    Her struggle with OCD really became more evident externally when she reached adulthood. Without studying or sports to hide in any longer, she came face to face with her anxiety disorder. She couldn't eat, sleep, or function in day-to-day tasks. Marin’s struggles with her thoughts were all that she could fight all day and night. It was grueling.

    Today, with therapy and medication to help, she is much healthier and confident. Marin writes in her free time to inspire others who may be struggling with anxiety as well. She is the the author of two books, My Little Monster and The Very Best Me. Her OCD still whispers to her and at times begins to shout. She finds relief in gardening, crafting, reading, and writing.

    Website - www.mylittleocdmonster.com

    Facebook - My Little OCD Monster https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090423289366

    Resources mentioned:
    Marin has two books, My Little Monster and The Very Best Me.

    Dr. Dawn Huebner - https://www.dawnhuebnerphd.com/

    Natasha Daniels - https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/

    When a Family Member has OCD by John Hershfield, MFT. 

    About The Host - Janine Halloran

    Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!

    If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
    https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter

    If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

    If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids


    Connect with Janine on Social Media
    Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
    Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay

    • 25 min
    Seven Coping Skills to Use at an Elementary Schoolo

    Seven Coping Skills to Use at an Elementary Schoolo

    A child at Elementary School will be learning and figuring out what emotions are and what’s going on in their bodies when their ‘big feelings’ appear. They’ll be learning to put names to their emotions and trying figuring out why they’re feeling what they are.

    In the moments when they feel upset, overwhelmed and unable to put words to their emotions, there are some straightforward strategies we can have in our toolkit ready to use and support this age group with.

    Here are some some of the strategies discussed in todays episode:

    Deep breathing strategies like the ‘Cooling the Cocoa’ strategy
    Imagining your favorite place
    Helpful distractions like games like ‘Would you rather?’
    Go for a walk to a water fountain to hydrate, get the body moving and helping to transition back to the classroom
    Calming Jars with glitter and glue
    Feelings Thermometers
    Take 5 to Calm Down

    Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

    Coping Skills Community Hub

    https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

    And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!

    About The Host - Janine Halloran
    Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!

    If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
    https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter

    If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

    If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids

    Connect with Janine on Social Media
    Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
    Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay

    • 12 min
    A Conversation about School Readiness with Caroline Allen

    A Conversation about School Readiness with Caroline Allen

    The transition to preschool to elementary school can be such an anxious time for both parents and for the children. There’s a lot of unknowns to get them ready for and sometimes we think there’s lots we have to do to prepare them for starting. Today we discuss what you can do to help reduce anxiety for your little one with nursery practitioner, Caroline Allen. 

    In this episode they discuss:

    Getting your child ready for school

    How difficult transition can be for parents as well as children

    What comments from family may or may not be helpful

    ‘Transistionitis’ - a phrase Caroline has come up with to describe the time before starting school

    Tips on how to speak about going to school and what may be at a school setting

    Does it matter if my child doesn’t write or read before they start school?

    How your child can learn and being lead by a child's interest 

    Delving a Little Deeper 

    How Caroline rests and relaxes

    About The Guest - Caroline Allen

    Caroline Allen has run childcare settings in the UK, trained internationally and supported practitioners and carers for over 25 years. She understands how important it is to relate well with our young children, yet this is not easy, and few have the time to read or study. Caroline now hosts Turning Little Stones podcasts, which are for anyone (professionals and family carers) with young children in their lives. In each episode, snippets of sound childcare theory become accessible and relatable, helping us all to better support our children and delight in being part of their journey. 

    Website - www.turninglittlestones.co.uk

    Resources mentioned: Delving a Little Deeper' (accessed from the website), which is for those wanting a little more theory. 

    Instagram - @turninglittlestones

    About The Host - Janine Halloran

    Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!

    If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
    https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter

    If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

    If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids


    Connect with Janine on Social Media
    Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
    Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay

    • 26 min
    Create a Coping Skills Toolkit On The Go

    Create a Coping Skills Toolkit On The Go

    It’s wonderful having a home set up where you have a reset or safe space where your kids can use strategies and process their emotions. But what happens when we go out? Having coping strategies ready is just as important. Whether that’s at school, traveling, out with friends, before a medical appointment or at parties knowing what you can do outside of the comfort of your own home is really helpful.

    The topics we cover in this episode are:
    Thinking about what situations could be tricky
    How to create a plan for when you’re out
    Items which are helpful to have in your ‘on the go’ bag. Including
    Pens and pencils
    Notebooks and coloring books
    Music
    Fidgets
    Visual reminders of coping skills, like word games, breathing strategies, etc.
    How to review your ‘On the Go’ plan for your family


    Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

    Coping Skills Community Hub

    https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

    And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!

    About The Host - Janine Halloran
    Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!

    If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
    https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter

    If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

    If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids

    Connect with Janine on Social Media
    Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
    Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay

    • 9 min
    Getting Back on Track with Dr. Rebecca Jackson

    Getting Back on Track with Dr. Rebecca Jackson

    When you’re expecting a baby or experiencing the first year of their life, there are books which tell you all the key development growth points to be looking out for and what comes next. We don’t talk about these as well as we could as our children go through childhood and adolescents. What emotions should they be feeling at what point? Is this behavior or outburst normal?

    As they grow and develop, one of the questions that gets asked is, “What does a healthy brain look like?” Our brain reacts to different pathways and it can affect our mood and responses. If we can understand the brain we can understand why we teach our children different skills and functions at key life stages and certain ages. Rebecca shares how if we can understand the brain then we can understand how to support our children’s next steps and if needed support getting them back on track.

    The topics we cover in this episode are:
    What Brain Balance is and how to strengthen the brain and pathways
    How development impacts our brain pathways
    Why Rebecca wrote Back on Track
    The impact of the pandemic on development
    Why having an action plan to help children is important
    What developmental markers look like in childhood and as your child heads towards adolescence
    Sensory development in children and how the senses affects our decision
    The effects of tiredness on the brain
    The practice of pausing
    The Snow Angel Exercise

    And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!



    About The Guest - Dr Rebecca Jackson

    Dr. Rebecca Jackson, Chief Programs Officer at Brain Balance, is a celebrated expert in brain health and optimization. In her role at Brain Balance she drives programmatic enhancements and creates new programs to meet the growing demands of people wanting to achieve more for themselves and their children. As the author of her new book, "Back on Track," Dr. Jackson is a media fixture, featured in respected outlets like Mayo Clinic Press, Forbes, Psych Central, and Business Insider. She's also been a guest on national and local shows, including The Doctor’s Show and NBC’s Nightly News.


    Website - https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/
    https://drrebeccajackson.com/

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drrebeccajackson/


    About The Host - Janine Halloran

    Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!

    If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
    https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter

    If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

    If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids


    Connect with Janine on Social Media
    Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
    Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay

    • 26 min
    Mini Moments of Self-Care for Adults

    Mini Moments of Self-Care for Adults

    Today’s question is, what can you do in 5 minutes or less that will make you feel happier, healthier or stronger? There are many moments in life when the day to day can feel stressful. Anyone can feel this. Whether you’re a working professional or a parent at home with kids in any stage of life. You may hit those moments and ask how can I take a moment for myself in the midst of the situation you face to give yourself some self care and revitalize yourself in those moments. Today’s episode covers some quick self care strategies to use during the day. These can make a difference to your day to empower and reset your mind as you go about your day. 

    The topics we cover in this episode are:

    What a Power Up is and the benefits of it

    Moments of self care we can do as adults 

    Breathing techniques 

    Mindful moments around you in the environment you find yourself in 

    The value of hydration 

    Short exercise 

    Doorway affirmations

    Imagining your favorite place

    Reading your favorite poem or quote 

    Spending time with animals

    Stacking coping skills 

    How these strategies can be used by children too

    Resources mentioned in the podcast:

    Superbetter: The Power of Living Gamefully by Jane McGonigal

    Jon Cunha’s interview on the Calm and Connected Podcast: https://www.janinehalloran.com/podcast/calm-and-connected-episode-88

    Coping Skills Community Hub

    https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

    And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!

    About The Host - Janine Halloran
    Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!

    If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:
    https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletter

    If you're interested in joining the Coping Skills Community Hub, an ever-expanding resource library and community of families and professionals teaching kids how to cope, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hub

    If you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkids

    Connect with Janine on Social Media
    Instagram: @copingskillsforkids
    Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay

    • 13 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
28 Ratings

28 Ratings

Butterfly begin ,

Such helpful tools!

I am a play therapist and I love the resources and tools offered by your podcast and guests. Thanks so much for all you do for the community.

Mmmmmagic3461 ,

Essential listening

I have found Janine‘s podcast so helpful, both in my work with parents and children, and also in my own life.
The episode about music was especially compelling, but they are all awesome.
Keep up the good work Janine!
From your friend Karen Lock Kolp 💕

kfry2018 ,

Good stuff!

I have enjoyed the podcast! I appreciate the short bursts of info! I am off to check out the Discovery cards she described in one of the podcasts! I am looking forward to listening to more podcasts!

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