What if there was a way for you to simply "be" around children -- a better way? A more effective way to handle difficult behaviors and emotions? Would you embrace ideas that could bring your family closer together and make the time you spend with your child happier and more fulfilling?
Imagine relationships where children feel accepted and parents, teachers, or caregivers feel empowered. Well, there is a way and it's based on decades of research into child brain development, the expertise of countless professionals, and a wealth of information on building resilience and the power of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and healthy relationships early in life.
Center for Child Counseling's work is based on this way of being and is the cornerstone of our approach.
A Trauma-Informed Approach
Our goal is to build a trauma-informed community where children grow up with adults who understand the impact of ACEs and trauma, do not cause more damage through their words or actions, and are able to promote Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), safety, and resilience. Being trauma-informed involves understanding, sensitivity, and a deep knowledge of how trauma can affect a child's growing brain and potentially result in lifelong physical and mental health concerns.
‘A Way of Being with Children’ Manuals
A Way of Being with Children: (PreK Edition)
A Trauma- and HOPE-Informed Guide for Adults Who Care for Young Children
The newly revised A Way of Being with Children PreK Manual from the Center for Child Counseling is a practical, research-based resource for educators, caregivers, and mental health professionals supporting children from birth to age 6. Grounded in trauma-informed care and the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) framework, this manual offers easy-to-use strategies to build emotional safety, strengthen relationships, and respond with compassion to challenging behaviors.
Developed by experts in child development and early relational health, the manual helps adults create safe, nurturing environments where young children can learn, grow, and thrive—even in the face of adversity. Through real-world examples, scripts, and reflection tools, it guides adults in showing up with presence, empathy, and consistency in everyday moments.
Support every child by transforming how we care for them—one relationship at a time.
Click on the image to purchase your manual for only $50 (plus shipping).
A Way of Being with Children: (Elementary Edition)
"When we prioritize teaching our children emotional regulation, we equip them with a lifelong tool to cope with stress, build healthy relationships, and make sound decisions." - Dr. Daniel J. Siegel
In a rapidly changing world, the need for resilience in our children has never been more critical. The 140-page manual was developed by our team of child experts, reflecting our passion and commitment to building the capacity of the adults in a child’s life to promote safety, resilience, and well-being through effective, developmentally appropriate, and trauma-informed practices.
Click on the image to purchase your manual for only $35 (plus shipping).
The videos, tip sheets, and brief workshops (30 -45 minutes) were developed to support you in using the skills.
Manual Preview
Videos and Resources
Our team of child mental health and safety experts have developed an array of tip sheets, videos, and workshops to help adults who work and live with children, offered on our A Way of Being, Ways to Talk to Children, Ways to Play, weLEARN play, and Parent Resources pages. Through our online learning platform at beKidSafe.org we providing education to prevent abuse and promote safety.
