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 universal developmental framework with 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 offers adults 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 improving 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.
Through immersive workshops, parents and professionals will gain transformative tools to strengthen youth resilience, emotional capacity, and well-being. Participants will:
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Deepen their understanding of the connections between physical and mental health.
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Unpack the essence of courage, identifying the key elements that cultivate bravery in childhood.
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Recognize the environmental factors that nurture courageous development, fostering confidence in youth.
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Sharpen situational awareness and mindfulness to enhance presence, empathy, and decision-making in high-stakes moments with young people.
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Master developmentally informed communication strategies proven to reduce stress in children—then practice them through hands-on role-play.
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Harness the science of stress-related growth, learning how to pace and leverage stress as a catalyst for positive childhood development.
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Refine expectations and boundary-setting skills, ensuring alignment with developmental realities and applying techniques through guided practice.
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Adapt and optimize youth programs across diverse settings—including home, school, and community spaces—integrating evidence-based insights from psychology.
