Relaxation practices you can share with your children

Just like adults, kids face a lot of stress and anxiety in their day-to-day life and more so now following the interruption in our lives by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we find ways to cope with challenges, rarely do we think about our children and what they go through.

If you have found ways to calm your nerves and re-energize, you will be amazed at how well that may also work for your child and the more reason you need to involve them in it.

Build their resilience through mindfulness. Let them know that worry and feelings of uncertainty are normal but they can be dealt with in a positive way. Teach them how to recognize symptoms such as anger, distress and frustration.

Once they’re able to identify the triggers, share with them techniques they can use to relax such as the following tried and tested examples.

Ask your child to take a deep breath through the nose then exhale through the mouth after holding the air in for a few seconds.

Let them know they can do this every time they feel the need to relax and that it can be done anywhere.

Sometimes all you need to do to help them calm down is tune in to a good radio station or listen to their favorite play list.

This may turn a tense trip to the dentist more bearable and they will be in an upbeat mood.

Grab a book you will both enjoy and read together or aloud as you hold them.

You may choose to do this before bedtime so they can fall asleep or during the day where you can go all in, discuss and describe your favorite characters and scenes in the book.

Being together just you and your child with no distractions is a great way to bond and for your child to open up.

Pick a spot that isn’t too far so that he or she doesn’t get tired by the time you reach and drive back home.

You can choose to stop over somewhere for a treat or carry for them some snacks they can enjoy along the trip.

If you have the energy, take them for a walk instead. You can go to a nearby park or just walk around the neighborhood taking in your surroundings.

Carry some cash in case he or she asks for water or some ice-cream.

Good practices start with you. If you battle your fears on bended knees, show your child how to do so.

Teach them a simple prayer every time they feel overwhelmed and give them the assurance that it has been heard and everything will be okay.

If your child has been asking for a particular dessert take that as an opportunity to bond as you teach them how to do it depending on their level of capability.

This will take their mind off what is bothering them as they get to learn a new skill.