Inclusive Child Respite Care

Having good and lasting relationships between your children takes time. It's in the subtle ways that you nudge them to help each other, or when you acknowledge when they do something for one another, or simply help them incorporate each other into their games, to share a piece of their food, clothing, or toys. It's the little things that add up for your kids to have an amazing relationship, not only with each other, but as a whole family unit. It's always easier said than done. There will be ups and downs, and that is normal. The important thing to remember is that as long as you're consistent and make subtle, small gestures to nudge them together, such as saying,

Can you bring this snack to your sibling?
Could you help your sibling put on their costume?
Is there a way we can include your sibling in your game? What can I do to help?
That was a nice story that you read to your sister!
That was sweet, consolidating, your sibling they really appreciated that!

Teaching your kids to share and work together is best done through play, aka their love language. Simple words or redirection, such as "Ooo, could you pass that to your sister when you are done?" or "You two are on the same team your mission is to attack me!" are great ways to emphasize working together and sharing. It's important to remember that sharing/teamwork is difficult for young children, but with consistency and time, I know you will be able to get there.

It takes the body time to calm after a meltdown — not just a few deep breaths.

When a child is overwhelmed, their nervous system can take 20–60 minutes to fully settle after a surge of stress hormones. That’s why calm can’t be rushed. They need safety, patience and connection — not pressure to “get over it.”

Understanding this is at the heart of brain-based parenting. Regulation isn’t instant; it’s built through co-regulation and trust.

This also demonstrates why a child needs longer than 5 minutes out of class after an incident.

There is a full range of calming strategy prompts in our toolkit below.

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE RESOURCE STORE
The Child Brain Explained: How the Upstairs & Downstairs Brain Shape Behaviour, a Toolkit for Parents & Educators

Electronic download available at link in comments ⬇️ or via our Linktree Shop in Bio.

SPD is complicated and can look different in every person who has it. This is a quick list of possible ways it can manifest... but it's important to note that the left/right sides are not mutually exclusive. Many people exhibit a mix of behaviors from both sides.

Learn more about SPD >>> https://www.thechaosandtheclutter.com/product/sensory-processing-explained?ref=89

We love sharing helpful ideas! This affiliate link also helps us continue to provide you with valuable resources and run this page.

Wow! This is an incredible resource!!

>>> https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2022/07/a-handy-chart-featuring-over-30-ipad.html

Here are two effective approaches to fostering a strong connection with your children. By engaging with their interests, listening attentively, and allowing them to guide interactions, you build trust and mutual respect.

Research shows that strong parent–child relationships support healthy brain development, emotional regulation, and resilience. A strong relationship also increases a child’s willingness to cooperate and seek guidance. When children feel seen and valued, they are more likely to communicate openly, develop confidence and empathy, and build a strong foundation for lifelong mental health and well-being.

I am sincerely grateful to Danik Bernier, a fantastic therapist, for providing me with the opportunity to be part of her impactful podcast.

Here is the link https://open.spotify.com/episode/6sWCS7vX57kqtIQYs096bv?si=F9yj25ZLRZqrLDmMvnRTDg

Danik Bernier, MSW

Toy Overwhelm After the Holidays and Environment as the Third Teacher: Creating Regulating Spaces with Natasha Demers Healing Mothers' Club · Episode

Most popular posts of May 2025

"They just hit out of nowhere!”

But did they really?

Like an iceberg, a child’s behaviour only shows us the tip—what lies beneath is often a mix of big feelings, unmet needs, and tricky triggers. When we take the time to decode what’s underneath, we can put calm, effective strategies in place to help them feel safe and understood.

This iceberg illustration helps us explore what might really be going on when a child hits.

Let’s dive deeper…

While sharing can be challenging to learn, it’s important to remember that it isn’t a straight path to the finish line. There will be ups and downs, good days and hard ones. What matters most is staying patient and consistent. With time, your child will grow, and one day you’ll look back, smile, and laugh together at how far you’ve both come.