How to Help Your Child Calm Down

As a parent, it can be challenging to watch your child struggle with intense emotions. Whether it’s a tantrum, meltdown, or just general restlessness, it’s natural to want to help your child calm down and find peace. However, it’s not always easy to know the best way to do so.

In this article, we’ll explore some effective techniques for helping your child calm down and find a sense of peace.

Why Is It Important to Help Your Child Calm Down?

Children, especially young ones, are still learning how to regulate their emotions. They may not have the tools or skills to calm themselves down when they become overwhelmed. As a parent, it’s important to help your child learn how to manage their emotions in a healthy way.

By teaching your child how to calm down, you are also helping them develop important life skills that will benefit them in the long run. Learning how to regulate emotions can lead to better self-control, improved communication, and stronger relationships.

The Benefits of Quiet Time

Child in quiet timeby Annie Spratt (https://unsplash.com/@anniespratt)

One effective way to help your child calm down is by implementing quiet time. This is a designated period where your child can have some alone time to relax and recharge. Quiet time can be especially helpful for children who are easily overstimulated or have trouble calming down.

Quiet time can also be beneficial for parents, as it gives them a chance to take a break and recharge as well. It’s a win-win situation for both parent and child.

Child Calming Techniques

There are many different techniques you can use to help your child calm down. Here are a few effective methods to try:

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a simple yet powerful technique for calming down. Encourage your child to take slow, deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth. You can even make it into a game by having them imagine they are blowing up a balloon with each breath.

Counting

Counting is another effective way to help your child calm down. Have them count slowly to 10 or 20, focusing on each number as they say it. This can help distract them from their emotions and bring them back to the present moment.

Visualization

Visualization is a technique that involves imagining a peaceful or happy place. Encourage your child to close their eyes and picture a place that makes them feel calm and safe. This could be a beach, a forest, or even their own bedroom. Ask them to describe what they see, hear, and feel in their peaceful place.

Sensory Activities

Sensory activities can be incredibly calming for children. These activities involve using different senses, such as touch, sight, and smell, to help your child relax. Some examples of sensory activities include playing with playdough, using a sensory bin filled with rice or beans, or using a calming essential oil diffuser.

How to Implement Quiet Time

Set a Designated Time

Child playing with toysby zhenzhong liu (https://unsplash.com/@lzzbest)

The first step in implementing quiet time is to set a designated time for it. This could be a specific time of day, such as after lunch or before bedtime, or it could be triggered by a certain event, such as a tantrum or meltdown.

It’s important to be consistent with the timing of quiet time so that your child knows what to expect and can prepare for it.

Create a Calm Environment

The environment in which your child has quiet time is crucial. It should be a calm, quiet, and comfortable space where your child can relax and unwind. This could be their bedroom, a cozy corner in the living room, or even a designated “calm down” area.

Make sure the space is free from distractions, such as toys or electronics, and that it is a safe and peaceful environment for your child.

Encourage Relaxing Activities

During quiet time, encourage your child to engage in relaxing activities. This could include reading a book, coloring, listening to calming music, or playing with a sensory bin. Avoid activities that are too stimulating, such as watching TV or playing video games.

Be Patient and Supportive

It’s important to be patient and supportive during quiet time. Your child may resist at first, especially if they are used to constant stimulation. Be understanding and give them time to adjust to this new routine.

If your child is having a particularly difficult time calming down, offer them words of encouragement and remind them that it’s okay to feel upset. Let them know that you are there for them and that you believe in their ability to calm down.

Additional Tips for Helping Your Child Calm Down

Lead by Example

Parent and child meditatingby Timon Studler (https://unsplash.com/@derstudi)

Children learn by example, so it’s important to model calm and peaceful behavior for them. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few deep breaths and practice some calming techniques yourself. This will show your child that it’s okay to take a break and calm down when they are feeling overwhelmed.

Use Positive Reinforcement

When your child successfully calms down, be sure to praise and reward them. This will reinforce the behavior and encourage them to continue using these techniques in the future.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If your child is consistently struggling to regulate their emotions and calm down, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can work with your child to develop coping strategies and techniques for managing their emotions. At Therapy SRQ we are here to help.

Conclusion

Helping your child calm down is an important part of parenting. By implementing quiet time and teaching your child calming techniques, you can help them develop important life skills and manage their emotions in a healthy way. Remember to be patient, supportive, and lead by example, and your child will learn how to find peace and calm in even the most challenging situations.

    The Role of Family in Teen Therapy

    Behavior problems starting school? Get your child the help they need!

    Behavior problems in school

    Behavior problems are commonly seen with transitioning back to school. Parents, teachers and students start with an optimistic view on a “fresh start” and a new grade. However, typically within a few weeks, things start to slide. As a result, often we are frustrated that expectations are not met.

    Approximately 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have or will have behavior problems at school that lead to serious mental illness according to National Alliance on Mental Illness. Consequently, students drop out or get stuck in the juvenile justice system. There is never enough eyes to monitor a child’s well being. As a result, KXAN a NCB affiliated television station in Austin, Texas is exploring potential solutions by developing Save our Students (S.O.S) This healthcare initiative is helping educate teachers, staff, bus drivers and parents understand and take action of mental health concerns with students. S.O.S stresses it is not your job to fix but be aware something is happening and get the child to where they need to get help.

    As parents…how can we help?

    Parents need to model on how to deal with mental health issues. First, you need to develop a language around mental illness to talk to your kids. Next, you must advocate for them to speak up when needed. Similarly, we all need to recognize as adults, we struggle too. It is equally important for parents to ensure they are taking time for their needs. As a result, modeling positive coping skills and problem solving techniques benefit you as well!

    Often times behavioral problems can be the result of underlying mental health disorders. As a result, these problems can have a negative change on the way children learn. It can effect their behavior, emotions, causing distress and struggling to get through the day. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Depression, anxiety and behavior disorders are the most common among adolescents.

    Depression in adolescents

    • Frequent and longer periods of sadness or unexplained crying spells
    • changes in appetite and sleep patterns
    • Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
    • Pessimism, indifference
    • Loss of energy, chronically feeling tired
    • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness
    • Not able to concentrate, indecisiveness
    • Inability to find pleasure in usual interests, social withdrawal
    • Physical symptoms of unexplained aches and pains
    • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

    Anxiety in adolescents

    • Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, frequent nightmares
    • Feeling on edge/Irritable
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Restlessness
    • Unexplained outbursts
    • Avoiding social interactions with friends
    • Avoiding extracurricular activities
    • Spending more time alone
    • Changes in grades, missed assignments
    • Procrastination or increased difficulty concentrating on academics
    • Increased heartbeat/dizziness
    • Frequently sweating
    • Upset stomach
    • Derealization

    If your child appears to be struggling with symptoms of these common adolescent problems in school, home or daily functioning its important to get help. These problems are treatable and most adolescents can learn to cope and manage their symptoms. Please call Therapy SRQ today at 941-202-3432 for a free consultation.

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    teen playing video games

    “Mental Health, Video Games and the Internet”…

    teen playing video games
    2 important factors to monitor with your child’s gaming- Time spent and content.

    An interview with NPR reveals President Trump’s commentary about the recent mass shootings in El Paso, Texas. https://www.npr.org/2019/08/05/748247918/president-trump-blames-recent-mass-shootings-on-mental-health-video-games-intern The president specifically called out “Mental Health, Video Games and the Internet” as the leading factors affecting the shooters. So, let’s discuss these factors.

    Firstly, we know the importance of mental health awareness and education. However, how can we ensure that it;s not “in one ear and out the other” for our kids? Take the time to check in with your child. New friends, new projects, new feelings…it’s all there, connect with them! It’s important for youth to have strong relationships with their family and friends. Help your child develop resilience by supporting them to solve problems that arise and let them know they can turn to you for help! Be aware of their internet, social media, gaming and television use. Most importantly, not only the duration but the content. Be a role model by practicing what you preach, ensure you take care of your own mental health and have time for things you enjoy.

    Unfortunately, all too often kids don’t get help soon enough. Mental health problems may go unnoticed or ignored. Parents may not know the warning signs or who to contact. Mental health issues can manifest in many different ways including a decline in grades, problems with friends and sneaky behavior. Mental Health problems can have serious effects on your child’s development and quality of life. Getting help early is so important. If you believe your child could be struggling please call Therapy SRQ at 941-202-3432.

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