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Article: "It's Not Just You: There's a Reason Kids Are Clingy Right Now"

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Article: "It's Not Just You: There's a Reason Kids Are Clingy Right Now"

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How to Help Your Child Adapt to Wearing a Mask

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How to Help Your Child Adapt to Wearing a Mask

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Be sure to check out all the Cosmic Kids Yoga videos on YouTube! They tell wonderful stories and promote mindfulness, which is great for managing big emotions like anxiety.

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Tommy the Bedtime Turtle | Yoga Adventure!

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These questions will surely be enjoyed by your family as you play!

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Michael Jordan - Turning Failure into Motivation

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Michael Jordan - Turning Failure into Motivation

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The Anger Sandwich

Did you ever bang the door on your way out, or clench your teeth so tightly that it hurt you? How about stomping your feet on the floor with an umph! sound, or felt like shouting till your voice became hoarse? If the answer to any of these is yes, then you have experienced the instances when the red haze takes over us and we became angry.

Furthermore, did you ever Imagine a whistleblowing or a pressure cooker releasing steam, well that is what anger usually feels like. It seems that it comes from nowhere and explodes, destroying things in the way and leaving us with a credit of guilt, regrets.

However, know that anger is an emotion just like any other. This emotion comes with a lot of myths and misunderstandings. Some of them are stated below:

Think of a time when you were angry and it prompted you to compete better in a competition, clean your room, do more vigorous exercise. Or voicing against injustices because they caused you to become angry. In these cases, anger resulted in positive activity.

Anger is an emotion, it is normal to be angry (Morin.A,2015). Release of this emotion is healthy and usually a catalyst of change

There is a marked difference between anger, aggression, violence, and rage (Morin.A,2015).

While anger is a feeling, aggression, violence, and rage our verbs. They are actions we carry out that occur due to a lot of pent up feelings and thoughts.

Anger is an emotion that has warning signs and occurs as a result of build-up thoughts and emotions.

A typical sandwich is made up of 2 slices of bread, a sauce, and some vegetables or edible solids and sprinkle of spices

Anger is the last slice of bread that finishes the whole assemble. The bread at the bottom is the person (you) who is experiencing a variety of emotions (vegetables) that occurred as a result of a situation (sauce) and other individuals most likely involved

Anger is an emotion born out of other emotions that are tempered or not expressed fully.

Think of a time when you fell in a public place. Did you feel embarrassed and as a result got angry? If so then, your anger was born out of embarrassment and maybe the pain of falling, or hurt it caused you physically.

In the terms of many psychologists it is the tip of the ice-berg as seen in the image below:

If anger is a result of other emotions, the factor remains that anger needs to be released in one form or the other.

Here are some suggestions to help you chomp on the anger sandwich using positive and more acceptable ways of managing our anger:

Admit you are angry: Saying it out loud and or admitting it to yourself, helps in seeking out ways to manage it. We have an innate ability to normalize ourselves, our scenarios, and thus should trust in it.

Recognize your warning signs: Anger as an emotion is felt in our body. For some people, their body temperature rises, ears become hot, one starts sweating, the pulse rate increases, stomach muscles tighten, some people get headaches. Recognizing these signs allows us to reflect on what happened and caused our anger.

Format your anger calming routine: Having a plan of action for times when you become angry, helps you practice your emotional management as a task. In this action plan, one can include things they would like to do, that calms them, reduces their feeling s of anger, and or helps in venting it out.

Reflect /Journal: Writing about the situation gains an individual a perspective on the situation, allowing you to have control in areas where you sometimes doubt yourself or struggle.

In immediate scenarios when you are feeling angry, it is best to vacate the premises or drink lots of water.

Remember HALT: HUNGER, ANGER, LONELINESS, TIREDNESS are scenarios when decision making is hampered. This is because in such a situation our thinking becomes more reactive and reflexive rather than logical or rational. Hence don't make any decisions at that time.

Finally, anger is an emotion you experience, so you are the ultimate master with the remote control.

"Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends." -Aberjhani Did you ever think 'I am not good enough' or 'I could not make him/her happy'? Self-love can be difficult sometimes. Sometimes we may feel we are not good enough; we criticize ourselves instead of appreciating ourselves for something we did.
I have definitely felt like I could never be enough as a friend or I failed in a relationship. You need to love yourself the most when you feel you deserve it the least. It took me some time to understand this, to accept myself as I am but learning the above truth shifted my perspective and helped me realize self-love is the greatest gift I can give to myself.
Now I am gradually learning the true meaning of self-love and how to accept myself. I am taking baby steps everyday towards loving myself, feeling that I am enough and that I am not here to fulfill everyone's expectations. My journey to self-love is an ongoing process and here are a few things I try to remember...

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Did you ever bang the door on your way out, or clench your teeth so tightly that it hurt you? How about stomping your feet on the floor with an umph! sound, or felt like shouting till your voice became hoarse?

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Click the link below the video to download the bingo boards that go along with this activity.

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Anxiety in Children: 10 Ways to Make a Difference to the Younger Ones

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Anxiety in Children: 10 Ways to Make a Difference to the Younger Ones

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Anxiety in very young children, or all children for that matter, is a pretty normal part of their development. They're getting used to the world and making sense of their place in it. For about 1 in 4 kids though, anxiety can have a more intrusive impact on their lives.

For older children, explaining what anxiety is and why it feels like it does will make a huge difference. See here for how. They can do pretty amazing things with the right information. For younger ones though, this can be a bit more difficult, particularly if their language is still developing. The good news is that there are plenty of things the grown-ups in their lives can do to help them through. The truth is there's no-one better:

1. Ground them.

Even better than touching them is holding them. Anxiety feels flighty. It feels insecure and turbulent. Help your little person feel grounded by holding them.

Research has found that hugging brings on a significant reduction in cortisol (the stress hormone). The huggable target doesn't have to be human - just something huggable. (Though does it get much better than human?)

Let them feel you as a steadying presence. One of the symptoms of anxiety is clinginess. This isn't surprising and actually, is another brilliant adaptive human trait. Young children might not be able to articulate it, but their body knows it needs to be grounded. If it's what they need, give it. This won't always be convenient, but if you can, let them fold into you. Stop cooking dinner, put down the phone and just for a couple of minutes, let them feel you keeping them safe. Make sure your own breath is steady so they don't feel you as flighty. They'll pick up whatever you send out.

We are one of the few cultures that don't walk around holding our babies close to us. This is completely understandable of course - having a baby attached isn't always practical (though I'll never stop being amazed by what people can do with little ones attached!) but when they're reaching out for a cuddle or clearly in need of one, it's important to respond. They're just doing what humans are wired to do - looking for connection.

Having said this, make sure that after a quick cuddle, you also encourage a brave response. You don't want to inadvertently reinforce their anxiety by giving them something positive (a cuddle) every time they become anxious. Cuddle them, then encourage them to try something that will ultimately move them towards learning an effective response, even if it's just holding steady and breathing.

2. Softly now - it's sleeping.

This will help teach them the skills to calm themselves. First, find your child their very own soft toy pet. Make sure it's an animal that's fairly lifelike - a dog or a cat or something else that they would be happy to have against them. If you can get one that's sleeping, all the better. At bedtime, tell them that the puppy/cat/whatever, let's say, puppy, has fallen asleep too. Put it in against their tummy or nestle it in to the side of them and tell them that they have to try to keep the puppy asleep by breathing and moving very gently so as not to wake it up. This will focus them on their own body and develop their capacity to control their breathing - a valuable skill.

Breathing initiates the relaxation response, a process discovered by Harvard cardiologist Dr Herbert Benson. When triggered the relaxation response instantly sends out neurochemicals that neutralise the fight or flight response. The relaxation response will decrease blood pressure, lower heart rate, lower pulse rate, reduce the oxygen in the bloodstream and increase alpha brain waves, which are all associated with relaxation.

3. Storytelling. 3 Ways.

We love stories because we can relate - to the characters, the feelings, the situation. As well as being crazy good fun, stories can also be a powerful tool, particularly with kids. Let's start with an example of a story and then we'll talk about how you can use it. Make up a story about a child who has the same fear and shares other similarities with your child - maybe in relation to favourite foods, where they live, what they like.

Here are some bones to get you started. Fatten it out with detail however you like:

'Once upon a time (because that's how all the good stories start) there was a boy. When I say boy, I actually mean superhero. Superheros, you see, come in all shapes and sizes. This superhero was human shaped, kid sized. His name was Mitch and he loved the colour yellow.

During the day, Mitch did all the usual things that superheros did - he cleaned his teeth (because superheros need shiny choppers for shiny smiles, you know), captured baddies (that was usually over and done with by breakfast), washed hairy dogs, and cleaned his room.

He did this no trouble at all. He did most things no trouble at all but bedtime - sheesh! - bedtimes did cause a little bit of trouble. (Bedtimes can be like that.) Mitch struggled a little because he didn't like the dark. Even superheros get a bit scared sometimes - of course they do - but what makes them superheros is that when they get scared, then they get brave.

Mitch needed a plan. He had a few ideas. He could sleep with a small light. Yes. That would work. He wouldn't be scared of the dark if it wasn't dark. He could be brave for ten minutes at a time, and then have 2 minutes with his mum or dad, or he could try special ways to relax so the dark didn't matter.

This is just an example and as you can see, it doesn't have to be a complicated story, just one they can relate to. Now for what to do with it:

* Using storytelling is a great way to understand more about the issue. Kids might find it easier to talk about feelings when they don't have to own them directly. Stories facilitate this perfectly. Asking kids about the thoughts, feelings, intentions of a character can reveal a lot about where they're at because their answers will be influenced by their own thoughts and feelings. For example, if you were telling the story above, ask your child what Mitch thinks might happen in the dark? What does Mitch need to feel better? What happened that made Mitch frightened of the dark? Some kids might find it easier to project their thoughts and feelings onto something else outside of themselves, rather than answer directly from their own point of view.

* Use the story to involve them in the process. If kids feel as though they have some control and input, they're more like to stick to the strategy you put in place. In your story, include the different strategies you might use to ease the bedtime ritual, and ask your child to choose. 'So, if you were Mitch, what would you do? ... You're a bit of a superhero, I think this could work for you. Let's try it.'

* Use the story to help them find an anchor. An anchor is a word or phrase they can call on when they're feeling anxious. Chances are, in the thick of an anxiety attack there will be no words, which is why it's important to decide on the word or phrase beforehand and remind them of it when they need it. It might be as simple as 'relax', or 'I'm okay'. Ask what would be a good thing for Mitch to hear when he gets scared.

4. The Stepladder.

The idea of the stepladder approach is to gradually expose kids to the feared situation or object so they can get used to it gradually. Start with a mild version of whatever it is that causes your child to feel anxious. Expose them a few times until they can handle it (make it super easy to start with) then move on to something that is a little bit more anxiety inducing. Expose them a few times until they get used to it. Gradually expose the child to situations that progressively stir a little more anxiety than the one before it. It's important that you don't force them, but let them go at their own pace. You might need to stay on one stage for a while, and that's okay. If you can, involve them in working out what the steps should be.

Here is an example for someone who is scared of dogs:

>> Start with a book about dogs. Spend some time looking at the pictures.
>> Move to a fluffy toy dog. Touch it and hold it with them.
>> Lot at dogs on television.
>> Hold a friendly little dog and encourage them to look at it.
>> Hold the little dog and encourage them to touch it.
>> Let them hold the little dog.
>> Encourage them to look at a big friendly dog.
>> Encourage them to pat a big friendly dog.

5. There are better places for worries than inside you.

* Explain to your little person that there are better places for worries to be than inside them. Have them draw their worries and when they feel done, invite them to rip up the paper and throw it away. Whatever you do, don't forget to explain that this is what you'll be doing. You don't want to be ripping up any precious masterpieces.

* Make a worry tree. The idea here is to create a something your child can use to externalise their worries, or to take their worries from a faceless force inside them, to one outside of themselves that they can visualise and contain. Invite them to draw or create a big tree. The simplest way to do this is to draw a big tree on a whiteboard (but be as fancy pants as you like or use a real one if you want). Then, cut out leaf shapes from paper or cardboard. When your child has a worry, ask them to draw it on the leaf. When they've done that pin it onto the tree. This will give them a sense that the worry is contained (by the edges of the leaf) and outside of themselves.

For kids with anxiety, parents and the people who love them are so important and can really make a difference. Decide on the strategies that seem to fit for your child and stay with those strategies. Don't worry if they don't work the first time, or the first few. Anxiety can be robust and persistent, but with you behind them, your little person can be even more so.

A Powerful Way to Help Kids With Anxiety ...

'Hey Warrior' is the book I've written for children to help them understand anxiety and to find their 'brave'. It explains why anxiety feels the way it does, and it will teach them how they can 'be the boss of their brains' during anxiety, to feel calm. It's not always enough to tell kids what to do - they need to understand why it works. Hey Warrior does this, giving explanations in a fun, simple, way that helps things make sense in a, 'Oh so that's how that works!' kind of way, alongside gorgeous illustrations.

Filed under: Anxiety, Anxiety in Kids and Teens, Being Human, Children, With Kids
Tags: anxiety, anxiety in children, children, living with anxiety

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10 Ways to Make a Difference to the Younger Ones - Hey Sigmund

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Anxiety in very young children, or all children for that matter, is a pretty normal part of their development. They're getting used to the world and making sense of their place in it. For about 1 in 4 kids though, anxiety can have a more intrusive impact on their lives.

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Breathing Exercises and Emotion Rating Scales

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Breathing Exercises and Emotion Rating Scales

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Self-Checklist for When You Are Feeling Down

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Self-Checklist for When You Are Feeling Down

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Certified Peer Support Specialist Warmline

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Certified Peer Support Specialist Warmline

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MDHHS warmline for Michiganders living with persistent mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Operating 7 days a week, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. 888-733-7753

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In light of recent events, many of us are faced with trying to figure out how to keep kids busy for weeks while schools are closed. Instead of listening to them whine and complain - be proactive and hand them this giant list of things to do while they are bored at home.

At Home Boredom Busters for Kids

So the kids are stuck at home and they're totally bored.

At this point you have two options:

1. Listen to them repeat "I'm SO booored" over and over again for hours...

2. Give them a list of possible activities and let them know that if they don't choose one, then you have a list of chores they can choose from instead.

As for me, and my sanity - I choose option 2.
Frugal Indoor Activities for Kids

My kids are 10 and 7, so I am no stranger when it comes to the complaining that often accompanies the boredom of being at home.

It's been happening since they were toddlers, and I know it will only get worse as they become tweens and teens.

That is why I have started to put together a boredom buster game plan now.

All things considered, I am actually pretty lucky...

Below you will find a growing list of ideas to help keep your kiddos busy when they are stuck and home and need to keep them occupied.

Save the list to Pinterest, or write down the ideas on popsicle sticks and create a boredom buster jar.

Indoor Activities for Bored Kids
This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. We only include brands we use and trust. See the full disclosure in the privacy policy.

2) Play hide and seek

3) Build a fort

4) Make a snack

5) Bake cookies

6) Paint a picture

7) Practice handstands

8) Re-arrange your bedroom

12) Read a book

13) Create a graphic novel

14) Put on a skit

15) Build an obstacle course

16) Play the floor is lava

17) Write a song or poem

18) Create wall-art from painter's tape

19) Make slime

23) Draw a self-portrait

24) Make finger paint out of pudding

26) Bake a treat for a neighbor

27) Create a collage or vision board

28) Play balloon volleyball

29) Trace their body on a large piece of paper and color it in

30) Create their own hilarious "Upside-down Chin Face" video

32) Make a smoothie

34) Make paper airplanes

35) Make a paper bag puppet

36) Hula Hoop

37) Do a puzzle

38) Play dress up and put on a fashion show

39) Do your makeup really crazy

41) Play charades

42) Take a bunch of funny selfies

43) Make a "faux" YouTube Video

44) Play rock paper scissors

45) Have a staring contest

46) Have a dance contest

47) Do a kids workout

48) Play with shaving cream

49) Carve a bar of soap with a plastic knife

50) Paint rocks

51) Have a picnic in the living room

52) Have a bubble gum bubble-blowing contest

53) Play laundry basket hockey with a rolled up sock and a broom
READ THIS NEXT>>>>>Winter Break Bucket List for Kids
I also love this idea of creating a boredom busters jar!

Well mama - there you have it: tons of ideas to keep your child busy when they are bored.
Do you have any ideas I should add to the list?
Please add them in the comments below!

50+ Activities for Kids to do at Home when they're Bored

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50 Frugal Boredom Busters to Keep Kids Busy when School is Closed

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In light of recent events, many of us are faced with trying to figure out how to keep kids busy for weeks while schools are closed. Instead of listening to them whine and complain - be proactive and hand them this giant list of things to do while they are bored at home.

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Changing the way you speak to your children can help them better receive and internalize your message.

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Teaches kids what social distancing is, how to thrive during this stay-at-home time with good personal habits, and how to have thoughtful family interactions.

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Social-Emotional Learning: Healthy Home Practices During COVID-19

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Give Them A Little Extra Love, Patience, and Grace

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Give Them A Little Extra Love, Patience, and Grace

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This graphic references little ones, but we think this applies to kids of every age!

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For families who love basketball and have kids who want to practice their math skills, sign up for this free NBA math game! Complete the attached google form and the game will arrive shortly after. 🏀

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Caribu is a great app for kids to play games or read together with a friend or family member!

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Caribu is a great app for kids to play games or read together with a friend or family member!

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Think FaceTime but with an interactive element on the screen :)

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Fear Zone, Learning Zone, Growth Zone - Who Do You Want to Be?

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Fear Zone, Learning Zone, Growth Zone - Who Do You Want to Be?

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Sign Up for Free Books for Your Child Ages 0-5!

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Sign Up for Free Books for Your Child Ages 0-5!

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Sanilac Imagination Library

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Telehealth via Marlette Regional Hospital

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Telehealth via Marlette Regional Hospital

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COVID-19 Interactive Workbook Social Story

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COVID-19 Interactive Workbook Social Story

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Using Visual 5 Point Scale to Identify and Manage Emotions

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Using Visual 5 Point Scale to Identify and Manage Emotions

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Free Weekly Online Parent Support Group - Please Join!

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Free Weekly Online Parent Support Group - Please Join!

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Managing Social Distancing - Resources for Young People to Make Social Distancing Not Suck :)

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Managing Social Distancing - Resources for Young People to Make Social Distancing Not Suck :)

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Journal for Parents - Return to the Calm

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Journal for Parents - Return to the Calm

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What is this "Zoom" and how does it work? This infographic can help.

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Journal for Teens - Overcoming Challenges and Building Resiliency

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Journal for Teens - Overcoming Challenges and Building Resiliency