● You can still practice naming and validating the feeling. Sometimes this helps. Other times you’ll quickly learn that a calm and silent presence is what’s needed over words. ● Keep the child and others around them safe - going to a smaller area together can help create a safe container. ● Remind them they are a good kid having a hard time, and that you’re there to help. ● Regulate yourself through deep breathing and a mantra like “I am a good parent/ teacher. My kid is having a tough time, not trying to give me one!” ● You can validate the feeling without validating a behavior. BUILD COPING STRATEGIES AND ‘PRACTICE IN THE CALM TO ACCESS IN THE CHAOS’ Kids need to learn practical tools to help them manage emotions and its crucial they practice these while they are calm. Doing this helps their brains to build connections and cement learning so that they can access it when they are dysregulated. Here are some practical and sensory strategies you can teach: ● Deep breathing; try a hot chocolate breath! ● Muscle relaxation. Tense muscles up first and then relax them (Great for anger and anxiety). ● Count to 10 before acting (great for anger and impulse control). ● ‘Count Down to Calm’; name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. ● Proprioception: try a weighted blanket or, wrapping a blanket tightly around the child or they can push against a wall with their hands (great for anxiety and anger). ● Visualisation: imagine a calm and happy place (great for anxiety or sadness). ● Get creative: older kids can journal about their feelings, or try drawing out their emotions by imaging them as characters outside of themselves; how would this feeling look, what colour would it be, how big would it be? etc. ● Play: Use toys to act out different emotions and solutions that might help. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rebekah Ballagh is a qualified counsellor, self-development coach, trainer, speaker and the creator of popular Instagram community @journey_towellness_. Her new book Big Feelings is a guide to help children understand emotions is out now, published by Allen & Unwin, RRP: $29.99. At the end of the day, remember that emotions are messages from our body letting us know what we need or drawing our attention to something. All feelings are allowed and all feelings pass us by when they are ready, just like visitors. Compassion is the key - we all make mistakes and we are all on this journey together! First Aid Courses Chi ldcare Comprehensive Childcare First Aid Basic First Aid MediTrain has been providing Childcare First Aid courses to childcare centres throughout New Zealand for over 30 years. Book our courses online, or we can bring our course to your venue for your group bookings. We can also tailor the courses to suit your childcare requirements. Contact Us Today! and keep children safe at your centre! Childcare First Aid kits available online 0800 08 45 43 www.meditrain.co.nz September 2022 { 33 }
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