Sprout Play Therapy and Counseling Services

Sprout Play Therapy and Counseling Services Play therapy is a theory-based approach that allows children to communicate in their natural language

Play therapy mental health services for children and adolescents

Back-to-school transitions can bring excitement, nerves, and big feelings.. sometimes all in the exact same hour. When a...
08/06/2026

Back-to-school transitions can bring excitement, nerves, and big feelings.. sometimes all in the exact same hour.

When a child is having bigger meltdowns, becoming extra clingy, or needing intense control over small choices, they aren't trying to give you a hard time.

Their brain is simply working hard to map out what's unfamiliar.

Before jumping to "fix" or correct the behavior, try stepping back and getting curious:

✨ What feels unfamiliar right now?
✨ What feels unpredictable?
✨ What might help their body feel safe?

Connection isn't just comforting, it is the primary tool a child’s nervous system uses to adapt to change. You don't have to make every transition feel easy for them; they just need to know they don't have to navigate it alone. 🌱

Children don't always have the words to tell us what's happening inside.So they show us through play.Play is how childre...
08/01/2026

Children don't always have the words to tell us what's happening inside.

So they show us through play.

Play is how children explore emotions, build confidence, solve problems, and make sense of their experiences.

When we learn to see play differently, we begin to understand our children differently. 🌿

🌿 Big feelings aren't a sign your child needs more discipline. They're a sign they need support.When emotions take over,...
07/22/2026

🌿 Big feelings aren't a sign your child needs more discipline. They're a sign they need support.

When emotions take over, the thinking part of the brain has a harder time staying online. Before correcting the behavior, try helping the body regulate with simple sensory activities like movement, heavy work, bubbles, or cold water.

💚 Regulate first. Teach second.

When we picture anxiety, we often imagine a child who looks nervous, shy, or worried.But anxiety doesn't always look lik...
07/13/2026

When we picture anxiety, we often imagine a child who looks nervous, shy, or worried.

But anxiety doesn't always look like anxiety.

Sometimes it looks like anger.
Sometimes it looks like perfectionism.
Sometimes it looks like avoiding something new.
Sometimes it looks like needing constant reassurance.

Not every challenging behavior is anxiety, but sometimes what we see on the outside is a child whose nervous system is working hard to feel safe.

The next time your child's behavior leaves you feeling confused or frustrated, try asking:

💛 "What might my child be feeling right now?"

That one question can shift us from reacting to connecting.

Because when we understand what's underneath the behavior, we're better able to respond with both empathy and guidance.

🌿 As we settle into the second half of summer, it's easy to feel like we need to make every day count.More activities.Mo...
07/08/2026

🌿 As we settle into the second half of summer, it's easy to feel like we need to make every day count.

More activities.
More adventures.
More plans.

But children often grow most in the spaces between the plans.

A morning outside. Time to get bored. A made-up game. Watching a bug crawl across the sidewalk.

Those moments may seem small, but they're where creativity, confidence, and emotional regulation quietly take root.

This isn't about saying no to camps or activities. It's about leaving room for unstructured play, wonder, and connection, too.

Sometimes the most meaningful part of summer isn't what we planned, it's what we made space for. 🌿

💚 What does a slower summer look like for your family?

Some of childhood's most meaningful moments aren't planned. They're the quiet interactions that build safety and connect...
06/29/2026

Some of childhood's most meaningful moments aren't planned. They're the quiet interactions that build safety and connection:

🫶 How they are greeted
👂 How they are listened to
🧸 How they are comforted

Small experiences become lifelong memories. Not because they were big, but because they were felt. ❤️🌿

⛈️ Storm anxiety is real for kids, and worry can start long before the rain arrives.When storms bring big feelings, conn...
06/25/2026

⛈️ Storm anxiety is real for kids, and worry can start long before the rain arrives.

When storms bring big feelings, connection beats perfect words. Try these phrases:

🌿 "It sounds like you're feeling worried."
🌿 "We'll watch the weather together."
🌿 "Right now, we are safe."

Your calm presence is their comfort. Stay connected and anchor them in the present moment. Big feelings need safe places to land. 💛

Is your child starting kindergarten this fall? 🎒✨The transition to kindergarten can bring excitement, nerves, and lots o...
06/23/2026

Is your child starting kindergarten this fall? 🎒✨

The transition to kindergarten can bring excitement, nerves, and lots of new experiences. Our Kindergarten Readiness Group helps children build confidence, strengthen social skills, and practice the emotional tools they'll use in the classroom.

Join us this summer for a fun, supportive group led by our intern, Jacinda!

See the flyer for details and contact us to reserve your child's spot. 🌱

Words matter, especially when big emotions are involved. ☁️When we tell children what not to do, they may still be left ...
06/22/2026

Words matter, especially when big emotions are involved. ☁️

When we tell children what not to do, they may still be left wondering what to do instead.

If you want to stop a behavior, try giving a clear direction for the action you want to see.

Parenting is tough, and no one gets this perfect. Start with just one phrase this week and see what happens. 🌿

Look at the roots, not just the bloom. 🌸Whining, meltdowns, "not listening," or constant movement are often the part we ...
06/16/2026

Look at the roots, not just the bloom. 🌸

Whining, meltdowns, "not listening," or constant movement are often the part we see.

But behavior is only one piece of the story.

The real story is usually down in the soil where needs, emotions, connection, and regulation take root.

When we shift from asking:

❌ "How do I stop this behavior?"

to:

🌱 "What might this behavior be telling me?"

We create more space for understanding, connection, and support.

Address

6209 E. Silver Maple Circle, Suite 102
Sioux Falls, SD
57110

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+16057996182

Website

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