Use an empty shoebox or other container to make a “Calm Down Kit” with your child. Have your child put special items inside that help them feel secure and relaxed. When they are feeling upset, remind them to use their kit. They even can decorate the box to make it their own.
Author: Sarah Childs
Alleviating Stress
During a calm moment, invite your child to think of ideas to help when they feel stressed. They can try using words to explain feelings, hitting something that can’t be hurt, or counting numbers. See what works and brainstorm new ideas.
How was your day
Ask your child to talk about their day using feeling words like happy, excited, and sad. Try questions like, “Was there a time when you felt frustrated today?” Ask them to make faces that express these feelings. Share your day as well.
Getting Dressed
Ask your child to make choices about what they want to wear. Give options like, “Do you want to wear the white socks or the black socks?” Be silly and ask, “Will you wear them on your head? No!” Encourage them to try getting dressed on their own and praise how hard they’re working.
Change-up Routine
Is it hard for your child to change gears? Moving from one task to another can be a challenge. Work together to come up with a special routine. For example, each time you move from reading-time to another task, you can give each other a kiss, a hug, and a high five. Before you know… Continue reading Change-up Routine
Peekaboo
How many ways can you play “Peekaboo”? You can hide your eyes behind your hand, or use a hat, a napkin, or whatever is handy and then say “Peekaboo!” Help your child take a turn. What can they hide behind? Saying “I see you!” when one of you stops hiding should make you both laugh.
Snuggling
Your child loves snuggling and hearing your voice. Get close and cuddle with them while sharing a story or song. Use a calm, quiet, and soothing voice to help them fall asleep quickly. This can become a nightly routine that lets them know it is time for bed.
Experience Singing
There are things we do every day. Sing the same songs at those moments to explain what you’re doing with your child. Examples could be leaving a room, finishing eating, or washing hands. What else do you do daily that you could sing about?
Exercise Together
Invite your child to help you exercise. Hold them while you do sit-ups, first fast and then slow. Talk about your speed with them. Do leg lifts and raise your leg above their head then back to the ground, talking about their size as you do. What else can you do?
Celebrate
When your child begins to crawl, pull up, and eventually walk, celebrate their efforts with positive actions and words. Say things like: “You did it!,” You used your hands to reach your toy!” or “You’re working so hard to move your body!” Make sure to clap and smile!
