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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This video explains the reasons why young children may slam doors and offers tips on how to handle the situation with calmness, compassion, and understanding.
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Learn how to help your child process their emotions and build a deeper connection with them by following these three simple tips, which can help switch their neurochemistry from panic or despair to safety and connection.
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Avoid focusing too much on fairness when teaching kids, as it can create a belief that good behavior is always rewarded and bad behavior is always punished, leading to the dangerous belief that they deserve any trauma they experience, instead use relational motivation to guide them towards making good choices.
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