Empowering Emotions: Helping a Student Recognize Feelings in Others
I want to start off by expressing my gratitude to Empowering Kids and those involved in the program. It has had a profound impact on our lives and continues to do so today.
Last year, I felt very hopeless as I struggled with my son’s high energy, lack of focus, and difficulty with emotional regulation. I found myself constantly researching and reaching out to others seeking answers as to how to help my son have a higher quality of life, rather than struggle on a daily basis. The HOTL preschool told me about Sensory Processing Disorder and Empowering Kids. This is when our world started to look bright again.
Sam started meeting with Tiffany on a weekly basis and absolutely loved it. It became the highlight of his week. I started noticing changes in him as he was more able to name what he was feeling, and we could talk about emotions. He participated in the summer program as well and got to know Chelsey, whom he just adores!
He now goes twice a week and it is honestly what he looks forward to the most each week. We talk about how he gets to “ride the black bus” and he excitedly talks about his friends that work there.
Sam has come so far since being involved with Empowering Kids. I am blown away at his emotional maturity at times and have been stopped in my tracks when he has asked me to pause when he sees me upset. He has gone from a child that blows up at the most minute obstacle, to calming down his frustrated mom by telling me, “It’s okay mom, you can get through this.” He has learned coping skills, how to better regulate his emotions, how to name his feelings, teamwork, and life skills, among many other wonderful things from the incredible friends that work at Empowering Kids. I can’t say enough great things about Christi, Tiffany, Chelsey, Heidi, Kieler, and CJ! They are amazing, compassionate, patient souls that are such a gift to the program.
I want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of Empowering Kids regardless of our financial status. I am a struggling single mom going to college full time, and your staff has made it clear to me that finances should never hinder my child from getting the services he needs to be successful.
Amanda Mitlyng, Empowered Parent