20/05/2020
Throwback to one of our first bookshelves at Little Dot. Over the years we curated hundreds of books to add to our collection of award winning children's lit at the club!
Many of us have now spent over two months at home to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe during this pandemic.
And we know, we know.... It’s hard, this parenting business, it really is! Especially if you have toddlers, or teens for that matter, that come with yo-yoing emotions led by mystifying logic (or lack thereof)! Your reactions during those early years – trying as children may be – are crucial to the development of little minds and souls. Persistent negativity and yelling can lead to chronic stress affecting cognitive and social function. So, how do we keep it all together? Here are some tips to help you navigate these times.
1. Draw Charts: Does the humdrum of your daily routine have you in a tangle these days? Are daily habits, like getting your child to brush her teeth or change clothes a source of frustration for you and your tenacious tot? Try this! Draw a step-by-step chart of your chore and pin it up. Attach it to a favorite story like, “Going on a Bear Hunt or any other repetitive story. This way your child knows what to expect and accepts control!
2. Practice patience first: Saying, “be patient” can sometimes backfire when you a flailing little human on your hands. You might know in advance when you have a call or a meeting and your child has to wait. Plan a free flowing activity to keep them occupied during this time. Set up a play space; for an older child some colour pencils or crayons; a sensory tray like scooping pasta or coloured rice for younger ones. Standing in a long line? Play simple games like counting all the yellow things around you or “I spy.”
3. The first step to Self-regulation: Articulating your emotions and identifying with them is the first step to learning how to actually MANAGE them. We have found books to be a great gateway into empathy building and understanding emotions. We suggest a designated slot of 'talking time' at the end of the day. Recount incidents in the day, brainstorm “emotion words," how they felt during those times. Write them down! Great books like Sandra Boynton’s book of Moods, or Dr Seuss’s ‘My Many Coloured Days’ are our go- to books when the going gets tough for little ones.
4. Make up a Song: Yup you heard right! When you just can’t seem to convince your child to listen, make up a song about the practice. When your child throws down that puzzle piece in frustration make up a song about trying! Use familiar tunes such a ‘Frere Jacques’ and see what a difference it makes!
Stay safe and stay home!
