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August at The Real Work: How to get through transitions playfully, Therapy Openings, and a Rock Painting Event!

Published 8 months ago • 2 min read

Your August dose of news and resources to help you stay connected, get inspired, and have more confidence as a family.

Happy August, Reader!
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Many of us are returning from travels and starting to feel the anxiety of upcoming transition back to school. In some cases, it's us parents who are feeling it even more than our kids. How are you handling it?

This month's tip: use music for transitions!

đź‘Ť This time we have a tip from our Board-Certified Music Therapist, Mikelia Wallace, on using music to help with transitions!

"Hi All! The transition from the summer to the school year can be stressful. One of the best ways to support your kiddo is by establishing a routine as soon as possible, one of the ways music can help is through something called “Transition Songs.” Do you remember the “Clean Up” song?

This song has engaged children for years and helped them transition from one activity to another. These can be implemented throughout the day, are short, repetitive, and catchy."

Throughout music therapy sessions I use this tool to help with transitions to the next activity:

To the tune of “Happy and You Know It”

“Put the shakers away, away” -clap clap-
“Put the mallets away, away” -clap clap-
“And put the drum away, what’s next for us today?”
“The instruments away, away” -clap clap-

Because this song is quite simple, it can be adjusted to any routine. For example,“Put the books in your bag, in your bag”
“Put the fidget in your bag, in your bag”
“Put the crayons in your bag, it’s time to go to class”
“Put your lunch in your bag, in your bag”Use of familiar songs, rhythm, a little silliness can help a lot with a transition and create some structure and comfort. Hope that helps!

Back-to-school support for your family is here:

Girlhood Glow-Up: A Self-Esteem and Friendship Group is now accepting applicants

Fall Parent Book Clubs are HERE!

Join Rebekah for Back to School Parent Support Emails with answers to your school anxiety questions

We have new Play Therapy Openings (ages 3-10)

SAVE THE DATE: August 28th at 5:30

Join The Real Work and Portland Artist Serra Hadzell for Rock Painting on The Real Work's front lawn! Bring the family!

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Hope you enjoy. Stay connected, and I'll talk to you next month!
– Rebekah :)

PS if there is something you think we should change or add in our letters, let me know! This is a work in progress :)

Brought to you by The Real Work: Therapy for Kids, Teens and Parents

Therapy is COOL!

4790 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton OR 97005
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