Disabilities/Mental Health

• Play Everybody Needs A Little Tenderness and discuss why we need to be kind to everyone and that everyone is special in his/her own way.
• In New Beginnings, Amy has an asthma attack and Stymie is very critical of her appearance and actions. This is a good episode to discuss with children and applies to any chronic or critical illness. Having an understanding and appreciation for people’s health problems is so important and will help children feel more comfortable and not so surprised when they see another child or adult who has an illness or other problem.
• There are many disabilities that Spinoza can be helpful for:

  ADHD - have the child sit with Spinoza for quiet time so the child can get refocused on the task at hand.

  Asthma & Cystic Fibrosis - Play Spinoza’s breathing tapes and have the child follow along as they do “Poppy Bear Bellies” and the other breathing exercises on the tapes. Also the segment on asthma helps other children understand what happens during an asthma episode.

  Those with a serious illness - Many children who have been diagnosed with a serious illness have to undergo severe treatments that can have an effect on their self esteem. For example, children who have to go through chemotherapy may lose their hair and become bloated. Play Spinoza’s tape You Are All You Need To Be to help the child understand that they are still special.