Self-Regulation with the Feeling Buddies

More Information About This Event

• Location & Hotels

  Location

  The Self-Regulation for the Feeling Buddies Workshop will be hosted at:

  Carmen Orozco Professional Development Complex
  1832 East Sam Houston Pkwy
  Pasadena, TX 77503
  (713) 740-5297

  Hotels

  Fairfield Inn & Suites Houston Pasadena
  3640 East Sam Houston Parkway
  South Pasadena, Texas 77505

  Special rate is available until Januray 1, 2024 – limited rooms are available so don’t delay booking!

  Use this link to reserve your room: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1700682747804&key=GRP&app=resvlink

  Home2 Suites by Hilton
  5150 East Sam Houston Parkway
  South Pasadena, Texas 77505

  Special rate is available until Januray 6, 2024 – limited rooms are available so don’t delay booking!

  Use this link to book your room: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/houpaht-cds-bd23d940-47aa-4ebc-96c1-d4a056ba18d7/

• Event Registration Frequently Asked Questions
  Am I registered?

  • Individual Registrations: We will send an email with an order confirmation number when you complete your purchase. If you have not received this confirmation email, please contact our Customer Care team.
  • Team Registrations: Once you purchase a team order in our system, you will be responsible for sending the registration link to additional team members to complete their registration. Once they complete this form and register, team members will receive their order confirmation emails. Note: Team members will not be able to enter the event until they complete the online form and receive their confirmation emails.
  • All attendees must present their confirmation order number at onsite registration check-in at the event.

  What is needed at check-in?

  Please provide your order number when checking in at the event.

  Can I purchase event tickets onsite?

  Walk-ins are not preferred at our events. We will not allow entry if the event is sold out. If space allows, we will accommodate walk-ins as best we can. Full payment is required prior to entry into the event. The registration fee for walk-ins is the standard event registration cost plus a 20% administration fee.

  Do you accept Purchase Orders (PO) for events?

  • Yes, we accept POs for event registration. POs must include recipient name and address, PO number, itemized list, and matching order total.
  • You can place an order without having a PO; however, your order is subject to be CANCELLED if we do not receive your PO within 15 days of placing the order.
  • We require payment to be received no more than 15 days AFTER receiving your purchase order or your registration may be cancelled.
  • For special situations, please contact events.team@consciousdiscipline and/or [email protected]. You must reference your order number when inquiring.

  Where is the event, event schedule, etc.?

  Please click here to navigate to our events page. Once there, please click on the event you will be attending or are interested in attending. Scroll down until you see “Additional Information about this Event.”

  I am needing to substitute a person

  • Attendees of Conscious Discipline events may substitute another person for their seat at no extra charge up to 30 days prior to the start of the event.
  • For individual registrations, you will contact our Customer Care team to change the name on your ticket.
  • For team registrations, log into your account to access your team under My Account. This is where you can remove/cancel members and add new members. Substitutions must be made and confirmed prior to onsite arrival.

  NOTE: Within 30 days of an event, transfer requests are approved on a case by case basis and a $25.00 per substitution administration fee will be incurred and invoiced after the event. You must call or email our Customer Care team to substitute someone within this 30 day timeframe.

  Where am I on the waitlist?

  • An event will automatically provide a waitlist option when trying to register, if the event is sold out. To add yourself to the waitlist, please go to our Events page. Click on the sold-out event. Then, click on “Waitlist” to access and submit the form. When an event is sold out, attendees on the waitlist are considered priority on a first come first served basis when we have event cancellations. If a spot opens, you will receive an email. You must respond with a yes or no by the given date in the email or your seat will be released to the next person on the waitlist.

  How can I get a refund/cancellation?

  • All cancellation requests must be received in writing via email to events.team@consciousdiscipline. A full refund minus $100 processing fee will be available up to 30 days prior to the event. Refunds are not provided 30 days or closer to the event. No shows to our events are not eligible for a refund.
  • Conscious Discipline reserves the right to substitute speakers at any event. In the unlikely event an event is cancelled, registrants will be refunded paid event tuition only. We will not reimburse registrants for flights or any other travel cost. It is the registrant's responsibility to cancel any and all travel reservations made for the event, including hotel reservations.

  Am I able to transfer my registration ticket to another event?

  All event tickets are non-transferable.

  Will I get an event certificate for attending?

  • Yes, you will receive a certificate of attendance after attending one of our events. The certificate will include Event Title, Date and Location, Total Contact Hours of Education/Participation, and Course Code. You will receive it by email approximately two weeks after the event concludes. If you have not received your certificate after that timeframe, please contact [email protected] or our Customer Care team.
  • CEU-eligible events are based on the length of training (10 contact/training hours = 1 CEU). 1 CEU costs $99.00 to purchase through Concordia University.
  • To apply, please go to https://continuinged.cuw.edu/offerings.html and search the course code in the "Keyword Search Bar". Click on the course matching the event title, add it to your cart and check-out.

  When are helper and scholarship seats selected?

  Helper and scholarship applications are closed by 90 days of an event, with an exception to our Week-long Institutes which will have a separate close date. You will be notified by email 60 - 45 days prior to the event, whether or not you have been selected as a helper or scholarship seat.

  What is covered if I am selected to receive a scholarship seat?

  • Scholarship covers tuition fees and course materials for the designated workshop. Travel, accommodations, meals and any special discount packages are not covered. If you register for an event and you are selected to receive a scholarship, we will refund your registration fees.
  • Scholarship selections are non-transferable. If you are selected for one of these seats but are unable to attend the event, you must submit another application for a different event.

  What is covered if I am selected to be a helper?

  • As a helper, your travel will be covered up to $500. You will be provided free registration, lodging and a daily per diem for meals during the days you are in attendance at the event.
  • Helper selections are non-transferable. If you are selected for one of these seats but are unable to attend the event, you must submit another application for a different event. 

  Do you offer any kind of group, military or student discounts?

  We do not offer any kind of discounts for our registration fees, but you are welcome to apply for a scholarship or helper seat.

• Event Schedule

  Event Schedule

  

   

• Policies & Procedures

  Event Confirmation

  Seating is limited. Please make sure the contact information you provide when you register is truly the best way for us to reach you prior to the event. If you have not received your confirmation prior to start date, it is your responsibility to contact Conscious Discipline. We recommend that you do not purchase non-refundable airfare until you receive an email confirmation from Conscious Discipline. Conscious Discipline assumes no responsibility for travel arrangements made prior to written confirmation of your acceptance as an attendee. Have your order number available and ready for onsite registration. You are required to check in and have a name badge to enter the session.  By registering for a Conscious Discipline event, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions detailed below and includes a publicity photo release.

  Onsite Ticket Purchasing and Walk-Ins

  Walk-ins and onsite ticket purchasing is discouraged at our events.  We will not allow entry to any event that is sold out or has a wait list.  Payment in full is required prior to entry to the event.  The registration fee for walk-ins is the event registration price PLUS a 20% administration fee.

  Cancellations

  All cancellation requests must be received in writing via email to [email protected].  A full refund minus $100 processing fee will be available up to 30 days prior to the event.  Refunds are not provided 30 days or closer to the event. No shows to our events are not eligible for a refund.  Please reach out to [email protected]. for more information. In the unlikely event that one of our events is cancelled, registrants will be refunded paid event tuition only.  We will not reimburse registrants for flights or any other travel cost.  It is the registrants responsibility to cancel any and all travel reservations made for the event, including hotel reservations.  Conscious Discipline reserves the right to substitute speakers at any event.

  Workshop Substitutions

  Attendees of Conscious Discipline events may substitute another person for their seat at no extra charge up to 30 days prior to the start of the event. Substitutions made after that time are subject to a $25 processing fee. For individual registrations, you will contact our Customer Care team to change the name on your ticket. For team registrations, log into your account to access the team created for the event under My Account. Once there you can remove/cancel members and add new members. Substitutions must me made and confirmed prior to onsite arrival. PLEASE NOTE: Within 30 days of the event, a $25.00 administration fee will be incurred and invoiced after the event per substitution and you will need to call or email us to be able to substitute someone.

  Liability / Media Release

  I agree that no filming, video or live capture of any kind is allowed at this event. I hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless Conscious Discipline, its employees, independent contractors, administrators, agents, assignees and anyone who it may be claimed liable from injury or damage. This is a binding and voluntary release for all injury, accident or death for both person and property. I assume all risk for travel, attendance, and participation in the event. By registering and attending any Conscious Discipline event, I AGREE and indicate that I understand the terms and conditions stated here. I give permission for myself to be videotaped, audiotaped and photographed. I understand that Conscious Discipline (DBA of Loving Guidance, Inc.) of Oviedo, Florida will own the video / audiotapes or photographs (the "media") and any works which may utilize the media, including the irrevocable right to edit, broadcast, print reproduce the works and to offer the works for sale to the public. This also includes the right to copyright and the right to license others to use the Media in connection with the works. I agree that the Content may be combined with other images, text, graphics, film, audio, audiovisual works; and may be cropped, altered or modified. I agree that I have no rights to the Content, and all rights to the Content belong to the Conscious Discipline and Assigns assigned by Conscious Discipline. I acknowledge and agree that I have no further right to additional consideration or accounting, and that I will make no further claim for any reason to Conscious Discipline and Assigns. I acknowledge and agree that this release is binding upon my heirs and assigns. I agree that this release is irrevocable, worldwide and perpetual, and will be governed by the laws (excluding the law of conflicts) of the state of Florida. Because Conscious Discipline is sensitive to the privacy of those appearing in the Media, there will be no credits given to myself in the Media or the works or derivative works utilizing the media in whole or in part. I also agree that I will not receive any payment for appearing in the Media, or the works or derivative works using the Media. I waive, on my own behalf, any rights or interest in and to the Media and any works utilizing the Media, and will have no claim of any kind against Conscious Discipline, it's executors, licensees, successors or assignees based on the exercise of any rights granted here under or for the use of the Media, or works containing it. I further waive, on behalf of myself, the right to inspect and/or approve the products of Conscious Discipline that utilize the Media, including any works and written copy that may be created in connection therewith. I hereby warrant I am of full legal age, have full legal authority and am otherwise competent to sign this Release, and by registering and attending, I further warrant that I have read and understand all of these terms. Conscious Discipline also reserves the right to substitute speaker(s) at any event.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships

  The Conscious Discipline Institute Scholarship covers tuition fees and course materials for one Institute. Travel, accommodations, meals and any special discount packages are not covered. If you have registered for the 2024 Institute and you are selected to receive a scholarship, your registration fees will be refunded. Scholarship recipients may be asked to write a brief article and/or record a video testimony about your experience to be used for informational and promotional purposes. Prior scholarship recipients are not eligible. Scholarships are not transferable.

  Helper Positions

  Helpers are an essential part of our team. They contribute to the success of our workshops by sharing their wonderful gifts. To apply for a helper position, you must be a graduate of the Conscious Discipline Institute. Helpers are typically selected in the following order: Conscious Discipline Certified Instructors, Conscious Discipline Certified Instructors, Advanced Institute Graduates, Institute Graduates. Institutes often sell out before we select our helpers. If you would like to attend the institute at full tuition even if you are not selected as a helper, register separately before helpers are chosen by submitting the standard registration form and payment. If we select you as a helper, we will refund your tuition.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
  Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Attendees of the Conscious Discipline Institute are approved to earn four (4) CEUs through Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) for full attendance and participation in all aspects of the Institute including small group work and breakout sessions. Attendees who wish to obtain CEUs must apply through CUW at https://continuinged.cuw.edu/conscious-discipline.html. The Institute course code is EDGP 5108.
• Conscious Discipline’s Feeling Buddies: A Formative Tool for a Lifetime of Self-Regulation

  Conscious Discipline’s Feeling Buddies: A Formative Tool for a Lifetime of Self-Regulation

  An interest article by Jenny Shannon

  A Lack of Self-Regulation Methods 

  Lety Valero had an eye-opening realization as an adult: she realized she did not know how she felt. As someone with a graduate degree in International Education and a long-standing career in education and administration, she found her lack of awareness of her own emotions and feelings shocking to uncover. Lety approached this revelation with curiosity, and it led her to the defining question that put the wheels in motion for one of the greatest foundational tools for self-regulation we have: the Feeling Buddies Self-Regulation Toolkit. She asked herself, “If I can’t identify my own emotions and engage in self-regulation, how can I possibly expect a child to know how to regulate theirs?” 

  Staggering research backs up Lety’s concern: 40% of children are missing the skill of self-regulation, and it is the number predictor of lifelong success. Children need us to teach this essential skill, and many adults could use some help developing it, too! 

   

  The Pitfalls of Denying Emotion in the Classroom and in Life 

  Nothing good comes from the suppression or denial of emotions. “As early as elementary school, the avoidance of strong emotions results in academic underperformance in boys.”  Psychologists have found that children who deny emotional vulnerability are also more likely to become adolescents who engage in health-risk behaviors, such as substance use.” (Greater Good, Berkeley)  

  Lety has witnessed the pitfalls of ignoring or denying one’s emotions within herself, and in her schools and classrooms. “When we deny our feelings or refuse to acknowledge them, they often become something else, something that may damage our relationships, our self-esteem, our ability to succeed and our overall quality of life,” she says. Aside from traditionally risky behaviors like alcohol and drug abuse, there are newer risks such as addictions to technology and online shopping that may emerge in attempts to soothe the uncomfortable feelings associated with suppressed or unrecognized emotions.  

  How do we change our language and narrative from, “Stop your crying,” and our punitive responses of punishing an outward display of emotion without offering an alternative way of regulating them?

    

  Emotions are Our Friends 

  “As adults,” says Lety with the deliberate poise and warmth she is known for, “we’ve achieved the appropriate brain development to have the ability to self-regulate,” she pauses for emphasis, “But children? Children have not.”  

  If children lack the meta-cognition to regulate themselves, we must coach them in strategies for self-control. Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Becky Bailey have both said, “You’ve got to name to tame it.” But self-regulation requires far more than labeling the emotion. The Feeling Buddies Self-Regulation Toolkits are an all-in-one resource that provides powerful self-regulation tools for the classroom. A smaller family edition does the same for one-on-one use in the home.  

  The Feeling Buddies center around a set of gingerbread-type plush dolls with varied and expressive emotions that make each feeling easy to identify. The accompanying materials support adults in coaching children through Conscious Discipline’s Five Steps for Self-regulation. The steps include identifying it (I am), welcoming it (I calm), befriending it (I feel), soothing it (I choose), and resolving the core challenge behind the emotion. (I solve). There are eight Feeling Buddies in all, outwardly expressing the emotions angry, scared, sad, anxious, happy, disappointed, frustrated and calm. In times of upset, the adult coaches the children in identifying the emotions they’re feeling by using the dolls. As the children talk the dolls through the self-regulation process, they also begin to instill an inner voice of self-regulation. This becomes the foundation for lifelong inner speech that is healthy, constructive, and responsible rather than steeped in denial, guilt, shame, or blame.  

   “Befriend your emotions, “Lety says, “They are speaking to us with very important messages. Your feelings are not your enemy.” 

  Learning to befriend one’s emotions from an early age not only impacts self-regulation efforts, but also encourages empathy and enhances communication. When you can identify an emotion within yourself, you are more likely to be empathic and able to dialogue with someone exhibiting the same emotion. As we believe at Conscious Discipline, “What you offer to others, you strengthen in yourself.” The Feeling Buddies are designed for use with children ages 4-8, but the effect of their teaching is long-lasting. 

   

  From Infants to In-laws: Self-Regulation Methods for Everyone 

  You may not find a collection of plush dolls in a middle school, high school, or college classroom- but the foundational concepts in the Feeling Buddies can be modified for all ages, even throughout adulthood. In fact, Lety uses the strategies and skills learned through the Feeling Buddies with herself daily. She uses phrases such as, “I’m going to walk with Frustration for a while,” to self-identify how she is feeling and trouble-shoot her next steps. The skills and strategies for self-regulation can follow a student throughout their academic career and their life.  

  It is impossible to self-regulate when we cannot identify the emotion we are experiencing. When we use the Feeling Buddies as foundational tool in the classroom, they provide the training for teachers that’s necessary for them to learn the self-regulation process for themselves so they can then teach it to children. After all, we cannot teach skills we do not know how to apply ourselves. In this way, Feeling Buddies use enhances adult self-regulation skills while also setting up every child for self-regulation success. 

  Conscious Discipline hosts events specifically designed to help adults increase their self-regulation so they can better teach this essential life skill to children. The next of these events,  Self-Regulation with the Feeling Buddies, occurs January 23 and 24 in Houston, TX.  Join Lety  and Anne Hoff at this transformative event where you will: 

  • Learn how to implement Feeling Buddies and the Safe Place, the centerpiece of your self-regulation program. 
  • Reduce discipline referrals as you and your children develop the practice of self-regulation within your classroom. 
  • Create a caring, safe, and healthy environment for optimal learning. 
  • Discover ideas and inspiration to prepare your own classroom and/or school Safe Place, where children can go to change their inner state from upset to calm using the self-regulatory skills you’ll teach them. 

  We hope to see you there. 

  Resources:

  • Feeling Buddies Self-Regulation Toolkit: Classroom Edition 
  • Creating a Safe Place: Teaching Self-Regulation & Understanding Feeling Buddies
  • Feeling Buddies Rubric 
  • Feeling Buddies Tips from Creator Dr. Becky Bailey