Murphy Mentoring Group

Creating Connection 🧡

When children feel emotionally dysregulated they often need calm adults more than immediate consequences.

Sometimes the most supportive response is:
✨ sitting beside them quietly
✨ helping them slow their breathing
✨ staying calm even when emotions are big
✨ reminding them they’re still loved during hard moments

Children borrow regulation from the adults around them. 💙

Sometimes “bad behavior” is really:

😥 Overwhelm
😟 Anxiety
😠 Frustration
😖 Sensory overload
😕 Difficulty communicating needs

Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with them?”
Try asking, “What might they be trying to tell us?” Curiosity and understanding help us respond with support, not just reaction.

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for new family support tips every Monday! 🌱

A few minutes of focused attention can mean everything to a child. 🧡

Try:
📚 reading together
🎲 playing a quick game
🚶 taking a short walk
🎨 coloring side-by-side

While big gestures are great, they can also feel overwhelming. Try starting small and staying consistent. Even 10 minutes a day of intentional time can help you connect on a deeper level.

When emotions feel BIG, try this simple calming exercise:

🖐 Slowly trace one hand with the other finger
⬆️ Breathe in going up a finger
⬇️ Breathe out going down
🔁 Repeat as needed

Slow breathing helps signal safety to the brain and body 🧡 We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can control our response. Let us know below if you try this out!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more weekly tips and tricks for you and your family. 😊

The Respite House of Marion County is a home where youth feel seen, supported and connected. You can be apart of that, too!

Before correcting behavior, try:
✨ getting down to their level
✨ speaking calmly
✨ validating feelings
✨ listening without rushing

Connection helps children feel emotionally safe, and emotional safety supports growth. 🤝

Reminder for Parents: Progress Over Perfection 🌱

Children don't need you to be perfect, they need:

♾️ Consistency
🫂 Patience
💙 Repair after hard moments
👤 Someone who keeps showing up

Don't underestimate the value you bring in showing up for yourself and for your kids each and every day. You are doing more than you realize.

🌟 Let’s Get SOCIAL this summer! 🌟

Murphy Mentoring Group is excited to offer a fun and supportive Summer Camp for kids with emotional disabilities! 💙

Campers will build confidence, communication skills, friendships, and character through engaging activities in a safe and encouraging environment.

📅 Starts June 8
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Far-East Side Campus
👥 Mondays: Ages 6–12
👥 Tuesdays: Ages 13–17

✨ Snacks & learning materials included
🎉 Limited spots available!

For more information:
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.murphymentoring.org

Good morning and happy Friday, everyone! ☀️

In case you didn’t know, we’re on Instagram too! Be sure to follow us at for future updates, community highlights, resources, and more. 🧡 Have a wonderful and safe weekend 😊

Murphy Mentoring Group Inc.

We never take your support for granted. 🧡

To Dr. Carol DeGuzman and our generous community members: THANK YOU for believing in the importance of mentorship, family support, and investing in the next generation. Your continued support helps us make a lasting impact in the lives of local youth and families every single day.

Connection doesn't have to be complicated 🧡

Sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen:
🚗 during car rides
🍽️ while eating together
🎨 during quiet activities
🌙 at bedtime

Try asking:
✨ “What made you smile today?”
✨ “If you could replay any part of your day, what would it be?”
✨ “If today had a theme song, what would it be?”

Small moments of connection build trust over time. Sometimes all we need is a light-hearted question to open that door.