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Magellan Counselors’ Picks: Trusted Resources for Families
At Magellan International School, our four-member counseling team supports students from preschool through high school—helping them build confidence, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships at every stage of development. Our counselors partner closely with families to ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom and into daily life. Below are a few trusted resources they recommend—books, videos, and online tools designed to help parents nurture emotional growth, resilience, and digital safety at home.
FOR PARENTS
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FOR PARENTS
For Understanding Emotions:
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Why I recommend it: This book is a game-changer for understanding why your child has meltdowns. It gives 12 practical strategies for turning tantrums and tears into opportunities for connection and growth. It helps you understand their "upstairs brain" (logic) and "downstairs brain" (emotion) and how to integrate them.
For Responding to Big Feelings:
Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy
For Responding to Big Feelings:
Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy
Why I recommend it: Dr. Becky's core philosophy is that all kids (and parents) are "good inside." This book moves away from punishments and rewards, offering compassionate, effective strategies for setting boundaries, handling defiance, and building your child's long-term resilience.
Why I recommend it: This is a simple, direct, and empowering book to read together. It uses age-appropriate language to teach body ownership, explain the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch, and reinforce the "No, Go, Tell" safety rule.
VIDEOS & ONLINE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
For Emotional Regulation (Video):
Temper Tantrum Toolbox: 6 Techniques That Can Cool Kids’ Meltdowns
Temper Tantrum Toolbox: 6 Techniques That Can Cool Kids’ Meltdowns
Why I recommend it: This short, practical video gives you actual phrases to use in the heat of the moment that de-escalate (rather than escalate) a child's big feelings. It's a great quick-watch for new strategies.
For Online Safety (Program):
Be Internet Awesome by Google
Be Internet Awesome by Google
Why I recommend it: This is Google's free, comprehensive program for families. It has a parent guide and a fun, interactive game for kids called "Interland" that teaches the fundamentals of digital safety (Share with Care, Don't Fall for Fake, Secure Your Secrets, etc.) in a way 3rd graders can understand.
For Online Safety (Guide):
Why I recommend it: This is my #1 go-to site for reviewing any app, game, or movie your child might ask for. It gives detailed, honest breakdowns of what to expect (violence, language, consumerism) and provides a "parents say" and "kids say" section.
Whether you’re navigating big feelings, guiding online choices, or simply looking for ways to connect more deeply with your child, these resources offer practical, research-based support. The Magellan Counseling Team is here to walk alongside our families—helping each student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as part of a caring, globally minded community.
Whether you’re navigating big feelings, guiding online choices, or simply looking for ways to connect more deeply with your child, these resources offer practical, research-based support. The Magellan Counseling Team is here to walk alongside our families—helping each student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as part of a caring, globally minded community.
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