🗺️ The Roadmap

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

• 🚦 First stop (feature article)

• 💡 Resource spotlight (FREE download of My Success Story)

• 🗣️ A word from our sponsor (the new Hopscotch Play platform)

• 🤔 In the Know (kid news you should know)

• ✍🏽 U(r)-Turn (let’s hear from you!)

🚦 First Stop

New Florida Law Enacted to Shield Kids From Social Media

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has recently signed a bill that limits children under 14 from creating social media accounts. This new law introduces an additional layer of parental control in the digital age. To create a social media account, Florida residents must now submit identification.

However, the bill has critics stating that it is "unconstitutional" and violates the First Amendment. Recently, other states have also imposed similar laws as they strive to regulate social media for children. This bill aims to ensure children's online safety but could affect certain digital freedoms. You can read the full story here.

✨Check out our worksheets helping kids explore their social media use (TikTok, Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, and more!)

💡 Resource Spotlight

My Success Story (FREE until 4/18/24)

"My Success Story" is a worksheet that gets your clients to dive into a moment they're proud of, sketch it out, and then unpack the journey it took to get there - including, what steps they took and the skills they picked up along the way.

Here's how you can make it work in sessions:

Pump Up the Positivity: Kids get to map out their wins, which can seriously boost their vibe and confidence.

Skill Spotlight: It’s a great way to get them to see and talk about their superpowers. What got them to that win? How can they do it again?

Celebrate Success: This is about turning up the volume on the good stuff. It helps remind them they've got this, especially on those tougher days.

Goal-Getters: Use those past wins as a blueprint for future goals. It’s like, "You’ve done amazing things before. Let’s plot your next move."

Feel All the Feels: It’s also a chance for some real talk about emotions. How did that success feel? It’s all about getting comfy with recognizing and expressing those feelings.

If you like this, you may LOVE:

✨But What if I Fail? | I Did It! | My Character Moments

Did You Miss Our Latest Release?

The Self-Esteem Journal for Kids is a tool created to empower children to participate in the daily act of journaling. Specifically tailored for young clients, this journal offers opportunities for creativity, self-reflection, and encouragement through daily prompts and integrated activities.

SPONSORED

🗣️ Hopscotch Play

A platform that makes therapy fun and engaging for kiddos

Hopscotch Play is a groundbreaking desktop platform that truly understands the needs of both therapists and their young clients. Here's why it's a game-changer:

🎮 Engaging Content: Dive into a collection of interactive games, activities, stories, and audio content designed to support therapeutic goals.

👩‍🏫 Expertly Crafted: Developed with insights from child mental health experts, ensuring it meets the high standards of our profession.

💡 Creative & Emotional Growth: Aids in enhancing creativity and emotional development in children, making every session more impactful.

Hopscotch Play is reshaping how we approach child therapy, one playful session at a time. Ready to revolutionize your practice? Tap the button and use code MYLEMARKS at checkout to receive 20% off your first month after your 7-day free trial!

🤔In the Know

🤝 Boys just wanna…connect

Let’s face it - boys just aren’t that great at making friends, and they tend to have smaller social networks and fewer high-quality friendships than girls. Even when they want to make plans to hang out, they don’t know how. Check out the full article here for a deeper dive into tips on nurturing boys' friendships and social skills.

✨Check out our Social Skills Resources!

😢 How memes help us cope

Memes are more than just good for a quick laugh, they can be a very effective way to relieve stress and introduce positive emotions. Even “sad memes” can help promote a shared authentic experience. What are some memes that your kiddos or teens use to cope or connect? If they don’t have one - create one in your next session! Dive into the benefits of memes on Psychology Today.

📱 Teens are calling out their parents’ phone habits

According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, teens have reported that their parents are often distracted by their phones while having a conversation with them. This study brings to light the intricate role that smartphones play in family dynamics and the social lives of young people, highlighting that it is not just a problem for teens but a family issue. To learn more about the survey's findings, click here.

✨Think your teens (and families) can make it through the Unplugged Challenge?

📚 The impact of suspensions on young students

Elementary school students are often suspended for behaviors considered normal for their age and developmental stage. Many kids are still learning how to manage their emotions effectively. When suspensions are used to address these behaviors, they harm students' sense of security and their relationships with authority figures. Experts recommend that suspensions be reserved for only the most exceptional cases. Read the full article on USA Today to learn more about how schools can balance discipline with developmental needs.

🧠 Mental health a leading factor in new schooling options

As parents grow increasingly concerned about their kids' mental health, many are turning to new schooling options like micro-schools, homeschooling pods, and virtual schools. This trend, highlighted in a report by Tyton Partners, reflects a move towards more personalized education settings that cater better to individual mental health needs, supported by evolving state policies and financial incentives. For more on this educational shift, check out the full story on Education Week.

✍🏽 U(r)-Turn

We’d love to hear from you! What type of resources, topics, activities, or products would you like to see from Mylemarks? Let us know here! Or do you have something nice to say about us? Leave us a testimonial!

We're thrilled to unveil our new look! As our community has expanded to over 70,000 subscribers, we aim to continue being your go-to source for news and resources on social-emotional and mental wellness for kids. We welcome your ideas on ways to make our newsletter cooler—let us know what you think; we're all ears!