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Calming Sounds for Mental Health

Regulation is the ability of an individual to influence their emotions in order to meet the demands of their environment. This skill is crucial for managing stress and maintaining balance in our daily lives. One effective regulation strategy is utilizing calming sounds. Even though these sounds might be playing in the background, our brains still pay attention to them, helping us stay regulated and centered.

Every Child Deserves to Be Seen, Heard, and Supported

Each May, we recognize National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, a vital moment to shine a light on the importance of emotional well-being in our youngest community members. Mental health is just as essential as physical health, yet for many children—especially those who’ve experienced trauma, instability, or separation from family—access to mental health support can be limited or delayed.

At CK Family Services, we believe that early intervention, family support, and compassionate care can make all the difference in a child’s future.

Behavioral Health Makes a Lasting Impact

Helping Children Thrive

When children come into foster care or kinship care, their emotional and behavioral needs are not always fully known. Without early, supportive intervention, even mild concerns can grow into serious challenges. That’s where CK Behavioral Health (CKBH) comes in.

At CK Family Services, our Behavioral Health program equips children with the practical tools they need to succeed—and provides caregivers with the support to keep placements stable and strong.

The Emotion Thermometer: A Simple Way to Talk About Feelings

Helping kids identify and express their emotions is an essential part of fostering emotional intelligence and healthy communication. The "Emotion Thermometer" is a simple, engaging tool that makes it easier for children to understand and express their feelings while learning how to manage them effectively.

How It Works

The Emotion Thermometer activity is easy to create and even easier to use. Here are the steps to get started:

The Fruit of Perseverance

As a teenager I listened to a classmate play the piano and I was absolutely amazed at his ability to dance his fingers across the keys like a concert virtuoso. He could listen to any song from Elton John to Floyd Cramer (listen to “Last Date” and you will understand) and play it perfectly by ear. I innocently said to him, “Man, I wish I could play the piano like you!” He paused and turned on his bench and replied, “no you don’t. If you wanted to, you could play, maybe not by ear, but you could be good.