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Bullying Is Not “Just Teasing” – How It Affects a Child’s Mental Health
Photo by Freepik Many adults still see bullying as “just teasing” — something unpleasant but normal, a part of growing up. From a psychological perspective, however, bullying is a serious experience that can have a lasting impact on a child’s mental health. What is bullying really? Bullying is not a one-off argument or disagreement. It is defined by three key elements: repetition – the behaviour happens again and again, imbalance of power – one child has more social, emotio
Paulina Kotowska
17 hours ago2 min read


Reward Charts in Child Psychotherapy – A Tool That Supports Change, Not Control
Photo by Freepik Reward charts are often associated mainly with stickers for “good behaviour.”In child and adolescent psychotherapy, however, their role is very different. A well-designed reward chart is not used to discipline or judge a child , but to support the process of change, strengthen motivation, and help notice progress where it may otherwise be difficult to see. What is a reward chart in therapy? In a therapeutic context, a reward chart is a visual tool used to wor
Paulina Kotowska
Jan 122 min read


Anger Needs an Outlet – How to Help a Child Release Aggression in a Safe Way
Photo by Freepik Anger in children can be challenging — both for them and for the adults around them.Shouting, throwing objects, hitting or emotional outbursts often leave parents feeling helpless and tense. But it’s important to remember one thing: anger itself is not the problem .The problem arises when a child has no safe way to release it. One of the simplest and most effective emotional regulation tools is… crumpling paper . Why do children need to “release” anger? Anger
Paulina Kotowska
Jan 42 min read


Worry Jar – A Safe Way to Help Children Cope with Worries
Photo by Freepik Children worry more often than we realise.School , friendships, family changes, new situations or everyday pressure can all create emotional tension that children don’t always know how to name or express. One simple and supportive tool is the worry jar .It helps children organise their thoughts and emotions — without forcing them to share everything with adults . What is a worry jar? A worry jar is a simple jar, box or container where a child can “place” the
Paulina Kotowska
Jan 22 min read


Progressive Relaxation for Kids – A Simple Way to Calm the Body and Mind
Photo by Freepik hildren today live in a fast-paced world filled with school demands, stimulation and strong emotions. It’s no surprise that many of them struggle to slow down and relax in the evening.One of the most gentle and effective tools to help children unwind is progressive muscle relaxation . This technique guides children through tensing and relaxing different muscle groups, helping them understand the difference between tension and calm.It ’s short, pleasant and s
Paulina Kotowska
Dec 15, 20252 min read


Phone Addiction in Children and Teens – When a Smartphone Becomes an “Emotional Tool”
Photo by Freepik A smartphone is no longer just a device. For many children, it becomes a way to regulate emotions: to calm down, escape stress, or distract themselves from overwhelming feelings. This is why phone addiction (also called phonoholism ) is becoming more common — and it develops quietly. It’s not laziness or misbehaviour.It ’s an emotional coping strategy that gradually turns into dependence. How does phone addiction develop? The process usually unfolds in stage
Paulina Kotowska
Dec 15, 20252 min read


What Is Cyber Addiction? When the Online World Becomes More Important Than the Real One
Designed by Freepik Today’s children grow up in a world where the Internet, games and smartphones are part of everyday life.There’s nothing wrong with that — as long as the online world doesn’t start taking over the real one . Cyber addiction is a behavioural addiction — one that isn’t linked to a substance, but to a specific behaviour.In this case, it means compulsive, hard-to-control use of digital devices such as phones, computers, the Internet or social media. How Does
Paulina Kotowska
Nov 13, 20252 min read


Therapeutic Playdough – More Than Just a Game
Designed by Freepik A Simple Toy with Powerful Effects Playdough may seem like just a fun, colourful toy — but in therapy, it becomes a powerful tool for emotional expression, sensory regulation and self-discovery.Many children can’t always say what they feel, especially when they experience anger, sadness or fear.Through playdough, they can express what’s inside — by squeezing, rolling, tearing or shaping. Each movement becomes a message: “I’m angry,” “I’m calm now,” “I c
Paulina Kotowska
Nov 5, 20252 min read


Healthy Eating Habits for Children – Tips for Parents
Designed by Freepik Teaching Children to Eat with Care, Not Control For many parents, mealtimes can become a daily challenge.A child refuses to eat lunch, picks at food, or constantly asks for sweets.But the key to building healthy eating habits isn’t pressure or control — it’s calm, curiosity and connection. Don’t force your child to eat Forcing a child to eat can create stress and negative associations with food.Trust your child’s natural hunger cues — if they don’t eat lu
Paulina Kotowska
Oct 28, 20252 min read


“The ‘Naughty Child’? Understanding What’s Really Behind Difficult Behaviour”
Designed by Rawpixel A behavioural disorder in a child refers to persistent difficulties with following social norms, rules, or expectations — challenges that can affect daily life at home, at school, or in the community.Symptoms may include aggression towards others, destruction of property, stealing, lying , or frequent rule-breaking. Children with behavioural difficulties often struggle with impulse control and emotional regulation , which can lead to frequent conflicts w
Paulina Kotowska
Oct 27, 20253 min read


How to Talk to Your Child About Divorce – A Guide for Parents
Zdjęcie: Designed by Freepik Talking to your child about separation is one of the most difficult moments in a parent’s life.Many parents postpone this conversation, hoping to protect their child from pain.However, silence and uncertainty can be even harder for a child to bear than the truth itself.Children can sense tension between parents – even when nothing is said aloud.That’s why it’s so important to approach this conversation with care, calm, and honesty . Speak Together
Paulina Kotowska
Oct 27, 20252 min read


Diet and Depression – How Food Affects Mood
Desinged by Freepik More and more research confirms that what we eat has a huge impact not only on our body but also on our mental well-being.Although diet cannot replace therapy or medication, it can play an important supportive role in preventing and reducing symptoms of depression.It ’s not about restrictive meal plans, but about giving the brain what it needs to function properly. 🌿 B Vitamins – Support for the Nervous System B vitamins, especially B6, B9 (folic acid) a
Paulina Kotowska
Oct 27, 20252 min read
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