Child-led play is extremely beneficial. It is the way for them to discover what they love, who they are and make sense of the world around them. Our role in child-led play is to FOLLOW THEIR LEAD sometimes that means letting them lead ENTIRELY. We can also support them when needed, keep them safe, engage in their play.
Read Moreword-to-your-mother.
I have the safe place, I teach in the green arrow moments, I focus on social learning skills... and YET my sensitive child cries, he has meltdowns, he fights with his sibling. These strategies don't make it go away. They help us make these challenges opportunities to teach our kids and also get through them without losing our mind.
So check in with yourself during the next meltdown...
and just say, "hey self, this is NORMAL."
When these things are stopping optimal functioning to the point that you can't go about your daily responsibilities, then maybe intervention is needed to help the child learn new skills and eliminate the behavior. But still, that is NORMAL for about 20% of the population....
Read MoreSo maybe your child has challenging behavior. But what is the behavior you want MORE of.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE BEHAVIOR YOU WANT.
Take a picture of it..
Notice it. Say what you see.
FaceTime your mom about it. Call their dad about it.
Spend the whole day talking about these things!
Read MoreI’m very intentional on the materials that I include in my outdoor space.
Instead of getting the typical big playground/swing set.
I decided to include all the elements I valued most.
If all you can fit or want is a swing-set that’s great too!
One reason I decided against the swing set is because I don’t want to spend 10 years doing under-doggies. I’m sorry #notthatmom.
Second, there’s “rules“ typically that come with the swingsets…(don’t climb up the slide, one at a time on the ladder, one at a time on the swing, don’t walk in front of the swing, there’s not room for you right here, etc.)
I wanted play materials that allowed them to expand their imagination.
Read MoreYou had a bad day.
That sucks, How dare they, Such terrible luck
vs.
You had a bad day
What did you learn from it?
When you start saying things like 2019 isn't my year. This year is the worst... soon all the little bad things become paralyzing. I can't handle one more thing. instead, we can say, you know this was REALLY hard... and look at where I was to where I am now... that's empowering!
.
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How many adults do you know stuck in this victim mentality? Are they pleasant to be around? Let's help our kids learn to reframe their story in a way that empowers.
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