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!)
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In this video, learn why it's important to focus on soothing and supporting kids' emotions before trying to teach them, as strong emotions take energy away from the brain's thinking and processing areas, and how you can use co-regulation and language to help them grow once they've calmed down. Remember to "Connect before you correct," as Dr. Karyn Purvis said.
In this video, you'll learn how to treat emotional pain with the same level of compassion as physical pain, and why showing empathy towards someone's emotions is crucial for their well-being.
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In this video, learn how to help your children calm down during moments of intense emotions by providing them with compassion and time.
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