Fun Games and Physical Activities to Help Heal Children Who Hurt

Acknowledgements. Introduction. Part 1: Trauma, Movement, Relationships and the Developing Brain. 1. How Traumatic Stress Creates Maladaptive but Self-Protective Brain States: or When Bad Things Happen to Small People. 2. How Movement, ""Real World"" Play and Non-Virtual Relationships Can Build Brains, Better Minds and Bolster Bonds: or What I Learned from Playing Sodom and Gomorrah with Barbie Dolls. 3. Creating the Structure of the Relationship to Help Hurting Children Heal. Part 2: Helping Children Heal through Real-World Experiences, Activities and Face-to-Face Human Contact. 4. Build the Foundation for Mature Character through Safety-Security-Protection-Trust Activities and Experiences. 5. Build Awareness of Self and Others through Proprioception Activities and Rhythmic Interactions. 6. Build Emotional Regulation and Self-Control so that the Power of the Will Can Strengthen. 7. Build Courage, Compassion and Higher Level Thinking through Problem-Solving Activities and Acts of Bravery. 8. Where Do We Go From Here? References. About the Author.

The book shows how particular activities contribute to healing the neurological and psychological damage that trauma has created. It also advises on helping children to problem-solve by acting out situations in real life. The questions at the end of each chapter are valuable for reflecting on what has been learnt and how to apply that; the personal experiences help reassurance and credibility, showing the impact of the activities in the real world. A useful book for teachers, therapists and parents which takes a refreshing new approach that can be utilised in many areas of childhood.