The waves of life overwhelm us at times. Here at surfNplay child coaching we will look at how big the waves are and what shape and colour they have. We will look at how we can learn to ride them. Through lots of practise, trial and error, slowly but surely you will learn how to keep standing.

Why child coaching?

surfNplay coaches and supports children ages four to twelve and their parents. All children are welcome, especially children with an international background.

Each child has periods in which they experience difficulties. Often these phases pass. Sometimes they don’t pass, even if you are doing your best as a parent. This can result in a feeling of powerlessness. In these times in which we are all so busy and have alot on our plate this feeling can be daunting. Sometimes children are confronted with loss, social problems or extraordinary circumstances (such as the corona-crisis) in their young lives.

In such cases surfNplay coaching can be of assistance. The coach programs are solution-oriented and focused on putting your child back in his/her strength so that your child can develop further in a balanced way. At surfNplay the sessions are customised for your child and follow his/her process.

Using the creative process makes the sessions more accessible. I use creative means to explain complicated concepts. Creating something whilst talking, makes sharing easier and can be a way for children to express emotions and have a successful experience. This increases their trust in the process and builds their self confidence.

Participating in a Press Play workshop can be a low-threshold way to see if your child and I are a match (www.pressplayjm.com).

When a child grows up in two (or more) different cultures this can be experienced as enriching and at times confusing. Having grown up in different countries myself, I can help your child navigate the feelings which come with moving from/to a different country, changing schools or being of mixed cultural background. 

 For which problems?

  • fear

  • fear to fail

  • shyness

  • problems making friends

  • grief

  • shame

  • high sensitivity

  • anger issues

  • loneliness

  • problems adjusting because of changing schools

  • problems adjusting as a consequence of moving to a new country

  • loss and mourning

  • low self esteem and lacking in self confidence

  • suffering because of a divorce

  • suffering because of bullying

  • stomach/headaches (medical reasons have been ruled out)

  • eating problems

  • sleeping problems

  • learning problems

For which purposes?

  • using creativity to vent emotions, build self-confidence and joy

  • learning to recognise emotions, vent and give them a place

  • finding words for emotions

  • discovering what your talents and qualities are

  • improving concentration

  • practising with social behaviour 

  • processing unpleasant/sad events

  • resiliency

  • overcoming fears

  • making contact with others

  • learning to work and play together

  • dealing with conflicts

  • learning to stand up for yourself and setting your boundaries

  • recognising and turning behavioural problems around

  • learning to present yourself

  • dealing with anger in a better way

  • dealing with and preventing overstimulation (high sensitivity)

  • practising new behaviour in a safe place/easier transfer to real life

Which methods and techniques are used?

  • Solution focused child coaching

  • RET (Rational Emotive Therapy)

  • Rock & Water

  • Gordon

  • How2talk2kids

  • Mindfulness

  • Visualisations

  • Games and creative techniques