Episode summary:
In this episode, Susan explores the challenges children face with restlessness, fidgetiness, and hyperactivity, particularly in the school environment. She emphasizes the importance of movement, play, and imagination in child development, noting that traditional classroom settings may not always accommodate natural developmental needs. Susan suggests practical strategies for parents and schools to support children, such as incorporating brief movement breaks and providing tools for fidgeting.
About Susan Stiffelman
Working with children has been Susan's life-long passion. In high school, Susan had an after-school job as a teacher at a day care center. When she went to college, she became a credentialed teacher, and was later licensed as a Marriage, Family and Child therapist. She has been an avid learner throughout her career, sharing insights and strategies in her two books: Parenting Without Power Struggles and Parenting With Presence (an Eckhart Tolle Edition). In recent years, Susan has shifted from private clinical work to online events for parents around the world on topics like Raising Resilient Kids, Helping Anxious Children Thrive, and Raising Screenwise Kids. Susan's greatest joy is working directly with parents in her monthly Parenting Without Power Struggles membership group, and in her Co-Parenting with a Narcissist support group with Wendy Behary. Susan is thrilled to be doing work that she loves, and hope she can help you and your kids along your parenting journey!
susanstiffelman.com
Things you'll learn from this episode:
The developmental importance of movement and play for children, especially those who are restless or fidgety
Why traditional classroom settings may not meet the needs of each unique child, which can lead to frustration and disengagement in school
Ideas for keeping children engaged, including movement breaks, tools for fidgeting, and supportive environments that encourage exploration and creativity
Boys’ challenges are not just problems to be solved. Join Susan and Maggie Dent for tools and strategies that will help your boys do well emotionally, behaviorally and academically.