Today is a good day to spend some time playing make believe with your kids. It helps their brains process information about things they are experiencing or thinking about AND it is bonding.
I used to dread it. Because it didn't come naturally to me. But as I have learned to let go and dive in, I have found it so impactful for my kids and healing for my own little self.... If that's true for you too, check out the show Bluey (on Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon and YouTube) and take notes!
One of my twins has a heart condition so we play make believe echocardiogram a lot and it really helps her process the experience and prepare for the next one.
If nothing else, pretend to be wild animals on your way to eat lunch (they will eat more!) Or on your way to brush your ferocious teeth (watch them comply easily!)
Play in ways that light them up (pokemon? peasants in medieval times? Frogs? talking trees? Whatever they want!)
Make believe is not only seriously fun for kids, it's seriously good for their brain and your relationship with them.
Onwards to pink and purple ponies defending a castle against stinky underwear (aka helping your kids put their dirty clothes into their laundry baskets!)
Learn about the concept of Restraint Collapse and how children rely on their attachment relationship to express their emotions in this insightful video, which provides tips on how to offer compassion and a safe space for your kids to release their emotional tensions after holding it together all day.
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Learn how to set compassionate limits with your child in a way that benefits their brain development and reduces reactive responses to emotions, with the timing varying depending on factors such as age, hunger, and consistency.
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Learn how to regulate your emotions and offer calm and compassionate support to your child when they are upset, even if you experienced childhood trauma or lack of emotional support from your parents, in this insightful video that emphasizes the importance of parking your inner child in a safe place, attending to their needs, and returning to being the parent your child needs.
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