Week 3 Day 4: Emotion Management

We returned to the Native Plant Border, where we worked with Tom from the Magnuson Environmental Stewardship Alliance (MESA). We identify several types of native and invasive species, including blackberries, curly dock and Queen Anne's lace. We also took turns as project managers again. We noticed managers doing a great job encouraging others, using clear communication and checking in to make sure that everyone was feeling okay. Hearing all those motivational comments really helped us keep our work pace up. Our efforts are being noticed by others as well. Another Pea Patch was overheard telling Tom that our team had made a big difference on the border. Keep up the good work, ELP!

Family Follow-Up

Thanks for sharing this blog with your families. Two people reported sharing the blog with their families last night. We're also getting reports of target social skills being applied at home!

Today, we sampled four different calming strategies stations including:
1. Drawing an imaginary calming place to think about.
2. Deep breathing with balloons
3. Brainstorming calming strategies that start with each letter of the alphabet.
4. Trying out positive self-talk statements.

Tonight: Ask your teen to describe the strategy that they liked using the most this morning. THEN-try out this strategy together. Discuss what you liked about it and when it might be a good time to use it.

Example: "I liked drawing an imaginary calming space and thinking about who would be there and what we'd be doing. I'll think about this place when I feel stress about people making new rules about my stuff."

Week 3 Day 3: Emotion Management

We returned to the North Remant Forest today, where we took turns serving as project managers for the invasive species removal assignment. Ryan, Will and Nate each did a very nice job of being encouraging by noticing when their team members were working well. We all agreed that it is rewarding to be able to see the change in the area after you have finished working on it.
Way to go, guys!
After work we had planned on going for a swim but we decided to bag that idea and play some kickball instead and then got a little head start on our projects.

Family Follow-Up

Today, we reviewed examples of stressors, stress responses and calming strategies with an exciting round of ELPGO (Bingo). We then participated in an progressive relaxation exercise and discussed how we felt afterwards. Tomorrow, we'll have an opportunity to try out other calming strategies.

Tonight, ask your teen to identify three calming strategies that were discussed in Social Skills group. Then ask your teen what one of the strategies is the easiest to use? Everyone can take a stab at sharing the calming strategies you use when you are stressed.

For example:
Teen: "Today we talked about progressive relaxation, watching videos, listening to calming music, and using guided imagery as calming strategies. Well I know I already listen to music when I get stressed out-- so I guess that one is easy."

Parent: "I use some of those same strategies when I feel stressed. I also like to ride my bike when I feel stressed and want to calm down."

Week 3 Day 2: Emotion Management

We continued our work on the Native Plant Border, culling grasses and vines, so that other plants would be more easily seen by visitors to the area. During our service learning block, we noticed people offering support, encouraging statements and working together to accomplish several tasks. Our volunteer coordinator, Tom, said that we were making a big difference in the area!

We also began work on our final projects, which will be used to share what we have learned and accomplished during our four weeks.

Family Follow up

Today we learned about physical, emotional, and behavioral responses to stress. Given several examples, we talked about how they are all related.

Examples of physical responses: rapid heart beat, stuttering

Examples of emotional responses: feeling sad, feeling angry

Examples of behavioral responses: Arguing with parents, "blowing up",

Tonight: Provide examples of physical, emotional, and behavioral responses to stress that you have experienced. Then ask your teen to do the same.

Example: "I know I am stressed when I start cleaning things that don’t really need to be cleaned. Usually while I am stressed and cleaning, my heart is beating pretty fast and I am probably a little more irritable—it is easier to make me upset.”

Week 3: Day 1 Emotion Management

Today, we worked on the Native Plant Border with a new volunteer leader, Tom. During our work, we identified stressors that we noticed during that time (eg. uncertainty about which plants to pull, heat, challenging work expectations). During lunch time, we evaluated our own and each others' efforts during the first service block. Although we missed the pals we made during the first two weeks, we still figured out a way to have fun and earn some Popsicles-- which were great after a hot work day!

Family Follow up

This week we're focusing on Emotion Management. To get started we defined stress and stressors, then identified examples and non-examples of stressors in our own lives. It was interesting to notice that what may be a stressor for one person is not a stressor for another person.

Stress: Physical, mental, emotional strain or tension. Stress can be pressure, worry, and/or anxiety.

Stressors: People, places or events that we respond to with the stress response.

Examples: Bullies, doctor's office, divorce

NON-examples: Your favorite grandmother, the beach, listening to your iPod.

Tonight: Share specific examples and non-examples of stressors in your daily life. Name the emotion (pressure, worry, anxiety) that lets you know you experiencing stress. Then ask your teen to do the same.

For example, "An event that causes stress for me is an upcoming deadline for a big project at work. I feel anxiety about this because there is a lot of work and I don’t have much help. An event that does NOT cause stress for me is going for a hike with my family. When I'm hiking with my family, I feel relaxed.