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Author: Bethany Hall, MSN, FNP

Connecting with Teens through Shared Journaling

A teen sitting on a couch, smiling as she writes in a journal at home with guidance from ConnectionPlus resources.

1. Shared journaling creates connection without pressure.  2. A journal can build trust, openness, and understanding over time.  3. Simple routines and gentle creativity help it work well.  This blog is part of our “Trauma & Adolescence” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. A Simple […]

5 Trauma-Informed Parenting Hacks That Work

Parent and teenage daughter smiling together on a couch with a laptop and coffee, sharing a relaxed moment of connection and conversation.

1.  Your regulation sets the tone. 2.  Behavior communicates unmet needs   3.  Safety and repair drive healing. This blog is part of our “Creative Correction” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. 5 Trauma-Informed Parenting Hacks That Work Parenting children with challenging backgrounds can feel […]

Understanding Childhood Sexual Development: A Shame-Free Guide for Parents

A young boy sitting at a table with two adults, smiling and engaging in a positive, caring conversation. Bright natural light and a warm atmosphere suggest a safe, nurturing environment.

1.  Curiosity about bodies is often developmentally normal. 2. Guidance and boundaries should be clear and shame-free. 3. Ongoing conversations build safety and trust. This blog is part of our “Displacing Shame: Addressing Problematic Sexual Behavior” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. Removing Stigma: […]

From Bathtime to Big Talks: Everyday Ways to Teach Kids About Their Bodies

Two people sit closely together on a couch, with one adult-sized person beside a child-sized person in a calm indoor setting.

1.  Small, ongoing talks matter more than one big talk 2. Use real words and simple answers. 3.  Safety and openness build lasting trust. This blog is part of our “Displacing Shame: Addressing Problematic Sexual Behavior” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. Handling Your […]

Starting Small: The Power of Tolerable Connection in Parenting

Two individuals sit on a yoga mat in a living room, practicing a seated meditation pose with legs crossed. A couch, pillows, dumbbells, and a water bottle are visible in the background.

1. Blocked care is a stress response, not a character flaw.  2. Chronic stress can shut down connection and compassion. 3. Small daily joys can help restore margin and reconnect your heart. This blog is part of our “Rewiring Connection: The Science of Blocked Care” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training […]

Creating Felt Safety During Spooky Season

A group of children dressed in colorful Halloween costumes walk together along a tree-lined sidewalk, each carrying festive buckets for trick-or-treating.

1.  Felt safety is essential. 2. Preparation reduces fear. 3. Prioritize choice and calmness. This blog is part of our “TBRI® Caregiver” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. Understand and Prepare for Triggers During Halloween Some children may have experienced violence or deep fear […]

Nurturing Discipline: Practical Alternatives to Spanking

Multiple hands rest gently together in a layered hold, symbolizing support and connection.

1.  Punishment stops behavior; discipline teaches skills.  2. Connection and empathy increase long-term change. 3. Clear limits can be held without breaking the relationship. This blog is part of our “Creative Correction” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. Nurturing Discipline: Practical Alternatives to Spanking […]

Mastering the Chaos: Navigating Parenting with the Circle of Control

Adult standing beside a child at a kitchen table while the child writes in an open notebook.

1.  Parenting kids with trauma histories can magnify chaos. The Circle of Control helps turn down the volume and restore calm. 2. Teach your child to spot what’s out of their control, what they can influence, and what they fully own.  3.  Instead of battling every problem, coach your child toward their “circle of cool.” […]

Building Skills with Connection

An adult walks beside a child who is learning to ride a small bicycle along an outdoor path at sunset.

1.  Ongoing, calm conversations about body safety strengthen attachment and trust. 2. Teaching correct language and clear boundaries empowers children. 3. Connection, not fear, is the foundation of prevention and protection. This blog is part of our “Displacing Shame: Addressing Problematic Sexual Behavior” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any […]

Dr. Bruce Perry’s Concept of Regulate, Relate, and Reason

An adult sits beside another person on a couch, gently placing a hand on the person’s head while the person holds a smartphone.

1.  Big feelings make it hard for kids to think clearly.  2. Connection must come before correction. 3.  Staying calm helps your child borrow your regulation. This blog is part of our “Creative Correction” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here. The Three R’s Think […]

Screen Time: Summer Parenting Tips to Help You Manage

A group of individuals sit together on outdoor steps, each using a smartphone during their free time.

1.  Back-to-school stress can stir up big feelings for kids with trauma histories.  2. Safe, simple conversations build trust and emotional security. 3. Listening with warmth and curiosity sets the tone for the year. This blog is part of our “TBRI® Caregiver” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of […]