In these times of uncertainty when everything feels like the twilight zone it’s extra important to remember to lead with love. It’s often easier to let fear take over as it’s such a HUGE emotion but together with a little support we can make it through this time of chaos in our world. Read on for ways you can keep your kids engaged, calm, and connected.
1. Practice Gratitude
When feeling out of control my go-to tool is gratitude.
Make a List of EVERYTHING you’re grateful for.
Speak it out loud.
Not just once in the morning, but let it be a practice throughout the whole day.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. I’m thankful that the sun is out. I’m thankful for the growing flowers. I’m so thankful for my family. Thank you thank you beautiful trees who breathe alongside us. Isn’t it wonderful that we have healthy fresh food to eat! Thank you breath. etc
We are constantly faced with obstacles and new challenges and it’s through modeling how to embrace life that we teach those around us how to embark on their own journey of self-study. Kids learn how to tackle life through our example.
2. Talk to your Children about their Fears
There’s an entire blog entry just on this topic. Check it out here.
3. READ ALOUD
When in doubt, read a book. Need a book recommendation? Check out this list for lots of books about FEELINGS!
There are lots of benefits to reading out loud to your children. Some of those benefits include developing vocabulary and receptive language skills, strengthening cognition, allowing a safe way to explore emotions, increasing attention span… and much more. As an educator read alouds were always my favorite part of the school day. They are an opportunity to re-calibrate the energy in the room. A good book can calm a room, inspire curious learners, and provide a break from all the outside stressors. Grab a few books and cuddle up!
4. Move your Bodies
Stuck inside? Roll out your mats or create a special space for this activity. Turn on some music. And MOVE. Dance, shake it out, and sweat if you can!
If you can get out, then do it. Take a walk, a jog, a bike ride. Hug a tree, play a game, dig in the dirt.
Create new fun routines. Here’s a blog that may inspire you to change up your morning activities. Read it here.
Keep an eye out on my instagram page! I’ll be streaming a few yoga classes soon.
5. Connect to your breath as often as possible
If you have older kids try leading them through a guided relaxation.
Before you begin, try to create a calm vibe. Turn down the lights, turn on an oil diffuser, and perhaps have soft music in the background. Set up the space and either have your kids lie down or find a comfortable seated position.
Try this relaxation activity with them.
Begin to listen to the sound of your beautiful breath. Feel your breath coming in, listen to it going out.
On your inhale imagine breathing in love, whatever that may mean to you. Let it fill you from your tippy toes to your finger-tips and to the top of your head. It might feel like rays of sun.
Now exhale out your fears and worries, about anything and everything...school, grades, the dark... etc.
Breathe-in love now imagining that your breath is like the sun shining into your heart. It makes you feel strong, safe, and relaxed.
Breathe out your frustrations. Breathe out your fear. Imagine seeing your fear leave your body. In your mind watch yourself waving goodbye. "Goodbye fear!"
Breathe-in love and think, “I am calm.” Breathe out love.
Breathe in love and think, “I can do this.” Breathe out peace.
Breathe-in peace, whatever that may look like to you and feel your body relaxing. Breathe-out love.
Breathe-in love, breathe-out peace.
Continue for as long as you want.
After a bit you may want to imagine breathing in rays of sunshine and breathing out rays of sunshine.
If you have younger kids practice your own relaxation exercise and let them reap the benefits of your calm.
6. Boost your Immune System
My favorite way to boost my family’s immune systems is through our wellness pops. They are a huge hit in our household.
Here’s how I make them: (this makes about 7 pops)
14 tablespoons of Elderberry Syrup- For a fantastic make your own syrup check out SweetGirlFarm.
1 scoop of Sufficient C
14 drops of liquid Vitamin D
5-7 Strawberries
5 Tart Cherries
1/4 cup Wild Blueberries
1/2 Banana
Blend together, pour into a mold, and freeze. We enjoy one every day!
*I’m not a doctor, please consult with your healthcare professional before making these.
Other things you can do to boost your immune system include exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of water and consuming food such as green vegetables, pomegranates, garlic, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sardines, sweet potatoes, carrots, citrus foods, bell peppers, and turkey tail mushrooms… among others.
7. Take one step towards a goal
Or as my gal Glennon Doyle would say, keep doing the next right thing.
To all you out there, may we find peace with not knowing all the answers. May we stay safe, healthy, happy, and loved. Reach out when you need help. Wash your hands. Practice Social Distancing but keep kissing your babies. Practice Gratitude. Hug a tree.
All my love,
Elissa