The exact same stimulus can be used for emotional literacy. In
relaxation meditations, for instance, hearing the same entrance sentence
such as that used in Relax Kids "close your eyes and be very still and
imagine..." Immediately invokes calmness to children who have heard it
repeated - the pathway is set. They learn to expect that immediately thereafter will be a
spoken story featuring themselves in a variety of scenarios. The
meditation may be based on a well known story or fable, a feeling, or an
action.Relaxation is enhanced by the subconscious learning how to react without force, once the rhythm of those familiar words are heard.
Reducing or eliminating excess background noise enables focus. Having a starting sound, hum or vibration will help in that settling period, too. Sometimes quiet soothing music or even nature sounds can assist in reducing the heart rate to resting state.
Being physically comfortable is so important. In some cases a child will really respond to being tightly wrapped in a warm blanket - I try to always have some available; whilst others starfish their limbs and need freedom to relax.
Slow down the breath with deep belly breathing. You can experiment with mouth open and closed, sighing, and then slowing down with counting in, counting out. Try for longer exhalations.
Tensing and relaxing using the breath in and breath out is really effective. We talked about actions in literacy earlier. The action of taking a breath and tensing the legs, then releasing the breath and relaxing the legs is very beneficial in the process of calming down. Move through the whole body in thus way. Our bodies will remember that feeling of release, and the technique of tensing and relaxing can be used at any time to help self regulate. It is subtle, too. Scrunching toes up inside your shoes can really help with the activating of acupressure points to help during emotional times.
Be sensitive to children's sense of smell. A light spray of lavender
oil with water can be so calming for many but hold off if a child seems
uncomfortable. It may be wonderful to use in a sandpit or playdough -
just remember it will go stale if you don't refresh.And finally the timbre of your voice. Modelling a calm, slightly deeper voice will bring the child's level of angst down. Provide space between your words, without making it rigid. During a meditation, close over your own eyes, and have a slight smile on your face. This will be reflected in your voice.
For more tips on starting relaxation with your child, click onto the Relax Kids UK Blog: http://www.relaxkids.com/UK/Blog/Do_children_need_to_relax
Enjoy!
