5 Unexpected Ways to Help Your Child Calm Down

Parenting can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, especially when it comes to helping your child understand and manage their own feelings. But what if there were unexpected ways to help your child calm down when they’re feeling upset or anxious? In this article, we’ll explore five unique techniques that you can try with your child to help them find peace in the midst of emotional turmoil. From breathing exercises to technology as a tool, we’ll give you a roadmap to navigate the ups and downs of parenting with patience and experimentation. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can help your child calm down in unexpected ways.,

1. Breathing Exercises Can Make a Big Difference

An effective method for helping your child calm down is through breathing exercises. Deep breathing techniques have been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, and can be easily practiced at home. Encourage your child to take a few slow, deep breaths when they are feeling overwhelmed or upset. You can even make it a fun game by having them imagine they are blowing up a balloon as they inhale, and then letting the air out slowly as they exhale. Practicing these techniques regularly can help your child build a toolbox of coping mechanisms they can use when they need to calm down.

2. Aromatherapy: How Smells Can Soothe Your Child’s Soul

In addition to breathing exercises, aromatherapy is another tool that can be used to help your child calm down. Smells have the ability to impact mood and behavior, and certain scents can be particularly soothing. For example, lavender is known for its calming effects, while peppermint can help to energize and focus. You can incorporate aromatherapy into your child’s routine by using essential oils in a diffuser, or by adding a few drops to a bath or massage oil. This can help create a peaceful and relaxing environment at home.

3. Creative Outlets: Art and Music for Emotional Expression

Encouraging creative outlets like painting, colouring and playdough modelling can be an effective way for children to manage their emotions. Similarly creating or listening to music can bring peace – experiment with different genres of music to find what works for your child. Expressing themselves through art or music can help them to process their feelings and provide a healthy outlet for any pent-up emotions. By setting aside dedicated time for art or writing activities, children can learn to rely on these tools to manage stress and anxiety.

4. Physical Activity: Burning off Steam and Finding Peace

Encouraging physical activity can also be an effective way to help children calm down. When children are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, they often have a lot of pent-up energy that needs to be released. Why not try running, stamping or jumping with your child to release that frustration.

Physical activity, whether it be playing outside, going for a walk, or participating in a sport, can be a great way for children to burn off steam and get their bodies moving. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety levels in children. When children engage in physical activity, their bodies release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that can help improve mood and reduce stress. Additionally, physical activity can also help improve sleep, which is crucial for children to function at their best.

Encouraging physical activity doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply setting aside some time each day for your child to play outside or go for a walk can have a big impact on their overall well-being. As with any activity, it’s important to find something that your child enjoys and feels comfortable doing.

5. Technology as a Tool: Calming Apps and Digital Distractions

By incorporating physical activity and creative outlets into your child’s routine, you can help them learn healthy ways to manage their emotions. However, technology can also be a useful tool in calming down children.

Calming apps, such as Headspace, Calm or Stop, Breathe & Think Kids, offer guided meditations and breathing exercises that can help your child focus and center their thoughts. These apps can be valuable in teaching children mindfulness and relaxation techniques that they can use in their daily lives.

Additionally, digital distractions such as colouring and puzzle apps can provide a calming activity for children when they feel overwhelmed or anxious. These apps offer a quiet and calming activity that can help distract your child from their worries and allow them to refocus.

However, it’s important to remember that technology should not be the only method used to calm down your child. Encouraging physical activity and creative outlets should still be a significant part of their routine. By using technology as a supplement to other calming techniques, you can help your child develop a well-rounded toolkit to manage their emotions.

Helping your child calm down when they’re upset or anxious can be a challenging task for any parent. However, by exploring techniques such as breathing exercises, aromatherapy, creative outlets, physical activity, and technology as a tool, you can find a unique approach that works best for your child. Remember to practice self-care as a parent and remain calm and composed when guiding your child through their emotions. So, take the time to experiment with these techniques and give the gift of a calm and emotionally stable environment to your child.