In homes and schools, we can thrive, blending wisdom from science with the practicality of common sense - all to benefit kids.
The Model: Surf'sUP Method℠
The Surf'sUP Method, developed over many years by Dr. Hodges, is a comprehensive approach that includes a universal developmental framework and practical tips for interacting with children.
First and foremost, Surf'sUP Method recognizes the following prerequisites for a meaningful and productive life:
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Stress: Having a decent threshold for stress
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Emotional Courage: Willingness to confront existential challenges for greater goals.
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Emotional Capacity: Volume and depth of emotions a person can tolerate at any given time.
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Well-Being: Purpose, direction, and human connection.
Surf'sUP Method includes communication skills that seamlessly integrate into daily routines in any home or school. Through Surf'sUP Method, adults can supports emotional courage in kids, enabling them to confront significant challenges, thereby expanding both the range and depth of emotions they can handle. This emotional capacity is essential for their overall well-being.
Holistic Approach
Surf'sUP Method considers developmental needs, physical health, circadian rhythms, manageable stress, and stress-related growth.
Clinical Application and Expansion
In her private practice, Dr. Hodges has successfully employed Surf'sUP Method℠ for clinical purposes. Driven by her professional aspirations, societal needs, and feedback from clients, she now offers Surf'sUP Method℠ to educators, school administrators, and school staff through Raising Moxie℠.
Benefits Across Settings
For educators, these skills do not interfere with instructional time in core subjects. Teachers report that they love there is a framework and discrete skills within that framework that they can use flexibly to support healthy classrooms. Parents who have taken the course report increased harmony and teamwork at home.
By learning in the Surf’sUP Method℠ workshop parents and professionals will:
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Become aware of connections between physical and mental health.
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Identify the elements that constitute courage.
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Enumerate the childhood environmental factors that foster the development of courage.
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Enhance their own situational awareness and mindfulness abilities.
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Acquire developmentally informed communication skills that reduce stress in youth, and practice these skills through role-playing.
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Recognize the benefits of stress-related growth and learn how to pace and use stress to support childhood development.
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Gain insights into developmentally-appropriate expectations and boundaries, and practice boundary-setting skills through role-play.
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Apply these concepts to adapt youth programs across settings (e.g., home, school), integrating wisdom from psychological science effectively.
