Movie , book, and TV characters
What is something funny from a book or show that helped you find the humor in things?
If someone is fidgeting a lot, pacing, having a hard time sitting still, how might they be feeling?
They might be feeling nervous or anxious or worried or maybe they have trouble focusing sometimes
Do you experience any of this yourself?
What is one quality of a good friend?
honesty
trustworthiness
kind
funny
listens
etc.
Talk about your feelings and thoughts with a family member before bed
Listen to some music, read, or draw to relax your brain
Do some of the breathing exercises
How many hours of sleep should a person your age get?
8
Share about a book you've read during which a character overcomes a loss. What helped them to get through that experience?
Why might a peer at school want to follow you around?
They might think you are cool to hang out with and want to be your friend. They might think you are doing something fun and want to do what you are doing.
What can you do to set boundaries with them if it becomes too much?
What could you do if you aren't sure if you did something the way it was expected at home ( like a chore)?
Explain and/ or show what you did and ask if it looks ok
Ask clarifying questions about directions for things if unsure
You are feeling bored and like it's hard to find the joy in things. What could you do?
Try some of the things that you've enjoyed doing in the past
Switch up tasks so that you aren't doing the same exact things over and over again - Try something new at school or outside of school
Take a break to move around or get fresh air
Find ways to interact with others at home
Is it important to eat lunch at school even if it's not your favorite food?
Yes because your body needs the energy to be able to regulate your feelings and focus
Share about a book or movie during which someone copes with moving from one family to another family or chosen family situation
If someone is acting tough on the outside does it always been they feel tough on the inside?
A lot of people who have a tough exterior don't feel that confident or emotionally safe on the inside. Sometimes keeping that in mind about peers at school can help.
What are ways that you are a good younger and older sibling?
You are feeling sad or disappointed about something someone else said or did. What could you do?
Take a break to yourself to relax if you need to
Let yourself cry if you need to
Squeeze or hug a pillow
Yell into a pillow
Write or draw your feelings
rip up a piece of a paper
do push-ups to get frustration out
Use breathing exercises
wrap yourself up in a blanket and take time to rest
Talk with a trusted person when you feel ready to do so
Talk with the person about it when you are ready
What is the most important thing to drink during the day?
Water
de-hydration can give people headaches and make people feel tired
What is a healthy friendship that you've noticed in a book or movie?
If someone laughs at something that is more serious, how might they be feeling?
Sometimes people laugh about serious things when they are feeling nervous and unsure of how to respond
What are some steps toward healthier attachment with family members?
Taking small steps to be more open emotionally: if someone asks about your day talk honestly about both positive and difficult emotions about the day
Finding something you like to do in common with a family member and taking time to do that
Offer help with things ask for help as well
All of these actions help build trust and connection
What if you are feeling hard on yourself about something? What could you do?
Take time to remember all of the things that you've been doing well
Talk to a trusted person about it
Do something that you enjoy and that you are good at
Remember that none of us are perfect and we all have things we are working on and make mistakes sometimes
Use strategies that help with frustration or sadness in other situations
What are ways to help yourself have the future you want?
Continue to work hard in school now
Connect with people who can help with college application process
Continue to take care of self physically and emotionally
Ask for help when needed
etc.
Share about a character in a book or movie that you can related to the most and why
How would you feel if someone takes something from you without asking? What can you do if that happens?
Angry, frustrated, worried etc.
You could talk to a trusted person and ask for help from them if needed
You could tell the person who took your belonging how that made you feel and that you didn't like that.
Who do you feel closest to in your family currently and why? What helps you feel close to them?
What could you do if you did have a thought about self-harm?
Talk to family member at home
Talk to a trusted adult at school
Talk about it during therapy
Engage in something to help calm your brain and distract your brain from that thought
Keep your hands busy with another activity like drawing or looking at a book
What are ways to have positive self-esteem?
Do fun activities you enjoy
Try new things
Ask for help from friends and family with remembering all of the good things about yourself
Write or draw about the things you like about yourself