How You And Your Kids Can De-Stress During COVID-19
Kids are going to look to you as everything continues to unfold. How you respond is a perfect opportunity to teach your kids how they can respond. So, what do you do?
Breathing Techniques
Birthday Candles
Pretend your fingers are birthday candles and you have to blow each one out one by one by putting each finger down.
Feathers
Hold a feather in your hand, take a slow deep breath in and then breathe out. As you breathe out slowly you will watch the feather flutter from your breath. Repeat until calmer.
Buddy Breathing
Lay down on your backs and put a stuffed animal buddy on your bellys. Breathe in to move your buddy up and breathe out to bring it back down.
Bumble Bee Breathing
Get into a comfortable seating position and close your eyes. Inhale slowly through your nose and then place your hands on your ears to close off external sound. Then breathe out through your mouth saying “buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz” for as long as you can.
Talk About It
If you are feeling anxious before any conversation then don’t be afraid to take a moment to calm down before talking to your child.
- Talk about your feelings together
- Talk about Coronavirus in an age appropriate way
- Reassure your children they are safe
- Answer their questions.
Keep Up With Regular Routines
Create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
Be a Role Model
Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well.
Limit Your Media
It’s okay to stay informed, but limit it so you’re not overwhelming your brain with tons of news.
Connect
Be together. Laugh together. Smile together.
More Resources:
How You and Your Kids Can De-Stress During Coronavirus
