RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS [HOME]
Here are some resources that I have found helpful for a variety of issues. Their inclusion on this page does not mean that I endorse everything on the sites, just that I have found some helpful information in each of them...
Collaborative Problem Solving
If you have kids with challenging behaviours, such as explosive outbursts of anger, talking back, or disrespectful behaviour, this is a great resource for you.
Challenging behaviour occurs when a child is lagging in important skills such as flexibility and adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem solving. These skills can be taught when an adult works collaboratively with the child to solve behavioural problems. You can learn collaborative problem solving by reading The Explosive Child, or Lost at School by Ross Greene. There is also streaming video on www.livesinthebalance.org to show you what the process looks like. As a Certified Provider in CPS, Jeanne is available to teach Collaborative Problem Solving, or to support and consult with parents who are using it. Visit Jeanne's Collaborative Problem Solving page to read more about this approach to working with kids.
Play Therapy
Play-Therapy.com - Articles for caregivers/parents on this website include:- What is play therapy?
- Strengthening parent-child relationships through play: Filial Therapy
- What makes strong families?
- How parents can help children through traumatic events.
You can also learn more about play therapy from the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy, and from the Association for Play Therapy (USA).
The Alberta Children's Trauma Centre
An Edmonton based centre for training, research, and advocacy on behalf of those affected by child trauma. ACTC provides training for caregivers, social workers, teachers, and others who care for or work with children who are suffering the effects of trauma, including abuse and neglect.
The Trauma Center
The Trauma Center is a program founded by trauma researcher Dr. Bessel van der Kolk to provide comprehensive services to traumatized children and adults and their families. The Trauma Center website offers a wealth of resources based on the latest research in trauma. Check out the Resources link, as well as the Publications & Products link for many fascinating and helpful articles on trauma and its effects and treatment.
The ChildTrauma Academy
The ChildTrauma Academy, founded by trauma researcher (and some-time Alberta resident) Dr. Bruce Perry, is an organization that works to improve the lives of at-risk children. Their site includes Resources and Links related to Trauma, Loss and Grieving, Attachment and Bonding, The Brain, Adoption, and more.
Children's Grief and Loss
Childrensgrief.net is a resource page for adults who want to help children deal with a variety of losses, including pets, parents, and more. Another source of information and support can be found at The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families. Hospice Net has several helpful aritcles along this line, including an article on Talking to Children about Death.
Good reads for cargivers:
The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children, by Ross W. Greene.
Lost at School: Why our Kids with Behavioural Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them, by Ross W. Greene
Parenting from the Inside Out, by Daniel Seigel and Mary Hartzell
An article on how trauma affects children.
Links to Professional Organizations:
Alberta Play Therapy Association (APTA)
Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy (CACPT)
The UK Society for Play and Creative Arts Therapies (PTUK)
The Association for Play Therapy (APT)
Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA)
College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)