Mindful Moments: S.O.F.T.
Discover the S.O.F.T. relaxation strategy. S.O.F.T. stands for: soften the face; open the heart; float down the shoulders; and take a deep breath. Find three S.O.F.T. strategies to use for a brief relaxation break.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the mental health of children, families, and staff every day. Early childhood mental health is the same as social and emotional well-being. It is a child’s developing capacity to express and regulate emotions, form trusting relationships, explore, and learn—all in the cultural context of family and community. The mental health of children and the adults that care for them is essential for school readiness.
Discover the S.O.F.T. relaxation strategy. S.O.F.T. stands for: soften the face; open the heart; float down the shoulders; and take a deep breath. Find three S.O.F.T. strategies to use for a brief relaxation break.
Use these five different finger and hand stretches at your desk or in your classroom for a quick relaxation boost.
Use these five stretches while working at your desk, in a classroom, or share them at a team meeting.
Explore how breathing and movement exercises can help you manage stress. Discover ways to use mindful movements to contribute to your self-care practices.
Share this brochure with parents and staff to provide some easy-to-use stress reduction and self-care tips.
Explore ways early childhood staff can partner with families to understand and respond to children's behavior as communication. Find strategies for working with families of children ages birth to 5.
This interactive activity will give home visitors a chance to walk through a home visit. Explore how to talk to an expectant family about substance misuse, including opioids.
Review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below to learn more about motivational interviewing and how it can benefit Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
This fact sheet includes tips families can use to help their children develop positive mental health beginning in infancy.
Find resources that help programs make the most of their infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC) services.