Here are some strategies to help children manage their emotions during times of uncertainty and heightened levels of stress and anxiety:
Belly breathing;
Remind children to breathe in slowly through the nose and out through the mouth. A slow exhale stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. A variation of belly breathing is to breathe in memories of feeling safe and happy and breathe out any uncomfortable feelings.
Slow counting;
Positive self-talk;
Showing Empathy and Kindness
Further resources you can access at home include:
KIDS MEDITATION - SQUARE BREATHING (Focus & Calm) on YouTube
By Stop, Breathe & Think
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFdZXwE6fRE
There are many YouTube videos you can access from home including:
The Friendship Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L14QtTGtjF4
What Makes a Good Friend?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avHdx18pi_U
Keeping Calm- Building Resilience with Hunter and Eve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=losfxbMKwPo
Staying Safe- Building Resilience with Hunter and Eve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMqeqDT9rag
Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800
Kids Helpline offers Webchat counselling for children at no cost. It operates 24/7 and provides parents with information and resources to help with communication and building positive relationships with children.
https://www.parentingideas.com.au/
“At Parenting Ideas, we’re here to help people successfully raise confident, happy and resilient kids. Over the course of nearly twenty years, we’ve become one of Australia’s most trusted sources of parenting education and support.”
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