Methods

Kidstime Coaching implements (and is grateful for) the various teaching methods developed, tested and proven by social workers in child care over the last few years.
We choose one approach over the other depending on the request for help or preference of the coachee.

A couple examples of methods:

The Coachee!-game

Being coached starts with a request of help or issue to be solved. The issue of children does not always coincide with that of their parents. To figure out what the core question is, we (child, parent(s) and coach) play the Coachee! game, developed by coach trainer Jeannette Bakker. This game, allows the child to embark on the discovery of himself in a safe and light-hearted way and to address his doubts, talents, questions and dreams.

coacheespel

Water and stones always stimulate the fantasy of children. The Coachee! game involves crossing a river by placing stones in the water, whereby we create a path to reach the other river side.
By answering various questions and fulfilling certain tasks, the stones are placed on a path. The child player moves on, one step at a time, while he and the adult(s) learn about each other and find out, in a playful and safe manner, how to best address the underlying issue.

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.
Plato

Kidstime Coaching holds a license over the Coachee! game.

Gedachte-kracht (The power of thoughts)

gedachtekrachtNicole Hage is the author of the successful Dutch book ‘Gedachte-kracht’ about the power of those little thoughts and about mindfulness for children. The guidelines of this book are used to clearly explain to children the relationship between their thoughts and their emotions. Exercises help discover and unleash the power of their own thoughts.

In my work, I have witnessed how those various exercises led (very) young children to develop consciousness and awareness, and how this method helped them stand stronger in life.

The book contains many more tips and strategies to train the power of thoughts. Some of them can be downloaded for free! Read more on the (Dutch) website of Gedachte-kracht.

The games of qualities

kwaliteitenkaartjes

The game contains many cards which specify all kinds of qualities. Everyone has an array of core qualities that can lead to growth and flourishing. But we all need to be aware that we have them.

For children, it is invaluable to know what they are naturally good at. It is the source of self-knowledge, development and confidence.
I work among others with cheerful cards (published by CPS) which are used to identify to the core qualities of children in the classroom.

Crafting, drawing and paintingcolor-445324_640

It is not always easy to express feelings and thoughts verbally, but it is possible to convey them through creative activities. At my practice, all materials are available to draw, paint, cut, paste and clay.

Puppets and toys

giraf_jakhalsRole-playing with puppets and toys can allow a child to understand what is going on in his life without him being at the centre of all attention or without being inhibited by shyness. Also, he can allow himself to express his thoughts and feelings about a difficult situation or a challenge in his life without feeling exposed. Finally, using this method, we can role-play the wished-for scenario in which a desired solution (imagined by the child) can become clear and concrete.

De kracht van 8! (the power of 8!)

Treat yourself and others with respect

krachtvan8De kracht van 8! (the power of 8!) stands for a broad range of methods designed to cope with bullying at school and to help create situations where all children interact respectfully.
But how does respect work and what is it, actually? Margreeth Stoute Boots describes 8 powers defining and involving respect. She created a tool for parents, teachers and children to generate a positive and respecful atmosphere. he methods of De kracht van 8! can all be used individually. Read more about De kracht van 8!  here.

Solutions-oriented approach

Solutions-oriented approach is just a method whereby kids learn new skills to solve specific problems, in a positive and contructive manner. Difficulties then represent an opportunity to find the right skill to overcome them. For a child, that is often much more fun and effective than talking about problems.

All the activities of Kidstime Coaching are broady based on this approach.