How to Handle Runny Noses, Licking, Spitting, and Germs in the Playroom: A Child-Centered Approach

In this episode, I address a great question from Carley in Oregon about how to manage germs in the playroom in a child-centered way. Carley asked about a client who licks and spits on his fingers while playing card games, as well as how to handle kids with very runny noses during allergy season.

For the licking and spitting, I explain that this is a behavior the child is choosing, so it warrants setting a limit using the ACT limit-setting process. When it comes to runny noses, I discuss the importance of distinguishing between sickness and allergies. For non-contagious runny noses, I suggest commenting on it matter-of-factly to the child, using an "I wonder" statement, and if needed, providing a clear choice. The key is explaining the "why" - to keep toys clean for other kids.

Also, I share some of my favorite tools for keeping the playroom clean - Micro Ban disinfectant spray, Clorox wipes for quick cleans of hard toys, and a "dirty toy bin" for items that need to be removed and deeply sanitized before returning to the playroom. Staying on top of the mess and germs is an important part of our work!

If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you.

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
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References:
Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley.
VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press.
Landreth, G. L. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-Routledge.
Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.
Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.