Parent Coaching Cards

Not long ago I was doing a little online research for a previous post. During that research I came across Parent Coaching Cards. I was quickly intrigued and wanted to know more. I contacted the author of the cards, Dr. Steven Richfield. He agreed to allow me to review his product and before long my package arrived. I received the following:

• 22 Parent Coaching Cards
• 14 page coloring book
• 16 page Parent instruction booklet
  

The parent instruction booklet describes the cards as "a set of self-help tools designed to help children develop and improve their social and emotional skills." The cards are initially designed to be used by parents, to help guide your child. For example, "Step Into Your Cantaloupe Skin" is one card in particular that has relevance for my ADHD & LD son right now. This card addresses the issue of being "overly reactive to disappointing events." It tells how "banana skin" bruises easily, but "cantaloupe skin" is tough. The cards are short and to the point. However, if you want more insight, the parent instruction booklet offers a few paragraphs that go into greater detail for each card. It also offers suggestions for the best way to use the cards.

The cards are sturdy and colorful. Dr. Richfield has used every day, easily understandable language on each card. They are bound together with a a silver "O" ring. This makes finding the specific card you want easy and fast. It also allows you to rearrange the cards if you wish. I removed the cards that best relate to my son's issues and placed them in the front for easy access.

Just a few of the other issues addressed with the cards are:

• Show your love for people not just for stuff
• Cooperation
• Beat the fear
• Know when to back off

The coloring book is also a great tool. It reinforces each topic covered in the cards with a large, artistic picture that can be personalized and colored by your child. Each page is perforated at the top for easy removal as well. I plan to give my son the pictures that correlate with the issues he's currently working on. After he's colored them I plan to proudly display them on our refrigerator. It is my hope that seeing them will boost his confidence and reinforce what he's learning.

If your child is struggling with his social and/or emotional skills I would encourage you to seriously consider Dr. Richfield's Parent Coaching Cards. I found them to be a wonderful resource and have high hopes of them helping my son develop his immature emotional and social skills.