Learning to calm our mind when we feel anxious or overwhelmed, allows us to move from our amygdala (fight/flight/freeze/fawn) into our prefrontal cortex (logic/reasoning/regulation). Often, we can catch ourselves asking children hundreds of questions about ‘what is wrong?’ ‘what is the matter?’ ‘how do you feel?’ and notice their anxiety escalating as we draw more […]
Children’s Activity: Calm your mind Read More »
Over the summer we saw a trend on social media of parents (and some dog parents) placing marshmallows (or dog treats) on a plate in front of their children and leaving the room to see what their child did. The internet was consumed with joy as they watched these videos of small ones looking round
Can you stop yourself eating marshmallows? Read More »
Finding effective ways to respond to our feelings supports children to develop their confidence, self-esteem and independence skills. When we are able to effectively react when our emotions feel overwhelming, we also build resilience. So, this week we are sharing 16 coping skills, to share and explore with children, to support them to build their
Children’s Activity: Coping Strategies Read More »
What is regulation When we think about emotional regulation, we are also looking at children’s emotional literacy we are considering: How we acknowledge our feelings Our ability to label our feelings Our skills to be able to regulate ourselves Learning strategies, and supporting children to practice these as part of their daily routines, allows them
Children’s Activity: Regulation Strategies Read More »
Sometimes, we can all get caught in spirals of thoughts surrounding things that are not in our control. So, how do we support children to begin conversations about what they are in control of, versus what they are not? Anxiety frequently exists where we attempt to control things that are uncontrollable. Ever noticed that we
Children’s Activity: What can I control? Read More »
When we look at children’s emotional literacy we are considering: How we acknowledge our feelings Our ability to label our feelings Our skills to be able to regulate ourselves As adults, we are also considering how: 4. We co-regulate, by calming ourselves to respond to children’s needs Learning strategies, and supporting children to practice these
Children’s Activity: Regulation Cards Read More »
With the move into Christmas, many children can start to feel overwhelmed. Helping children to unwind and let go can support them to release stress and support regulation. Colouring has many benefits: Develops fine motor skills Supports concentration skills Develops colour recognition Strengthens handwriting skills Encourages relaxation Develops focus Creates a focus on the present
Children’s Activity: Mandala Colouring Sheet Read More »
If you follow us often, you’ll know that we often discuss regulation. A great way to help children to regulate is through freezing cold drinks – and in this heat wave, ice lollies work brilliantly as well. The act of sucking cold fluids through a straw, or having cold foods helps us to calm our
Children’s Activity: Make your own ice lollies Read More »
When we feel dysregulated, having tools to help us reduce our stress, and help us create focus, are invaluable. However, they do not need to be expensive, and you can make them at home. Stress balloons can be great fun, their ability to stretch, twist and move are a perfect regulation for school aged children.
Children’s Activity: Make your own stress balloons Read More »
Helping children to regulate means that we are supporting them to take control of their minds and feelings, and ground themselves. We have previously shared a wide range of regulation activities, including breathing techniques. This week, we are sharing an activity which is perfect for younger children and can also be adapted for children with
Children’s Activities: Find It Bottles Read More »
