This has been one of the most unexpected hits of the past year. Here’s another tip: Keep that toy for bath time play only so your child will look forward to getting into the tub. That level of interaction can make bath time much more peaceful. Depending on the age, the play will go from random exploration to more intentional actions. The friendly frog will float or stick to a smooth surface with suction cups.
Changing the focus can help, and this engaging toy may be just what you need to help. It’s easy to forget that when you’re stressed out, kids pick up on that, and being fussy is one of the few ways they can express their feelings. When kids are stressed out, even the most routine thing-like bath time-can become a challenge or a contest of wills. Here are some play ideas that may inspire you: Kids will be eager to hop into the tub with this colorful pal. This may be a tough time, but, making sure we can play our way through it, is a valuable tool for all of us. That fosters creative thinking, and engagement in the process. We all know that as kids (or even us grownups) become focused on a project or an activity, we have less time to worry about other things.Ĭertainly a lesson I learned from my mother, who was also a middle school teacher, was that asking kids to solve their own problems is very beneficial. Providing immersive experiences is a very positive way to deal with cabin fever. It’s a fine line between upsetting and worrying kids and letting them know that everyone is facing an unusual time right now. So, while it’s certainly beneficial to try to maintain a positive outlook, it’s important that you share that things may be difficult for you, too. They also are amazing at picking up on cues, such as your own anxieties or stresses. Kids will imitate what they see their parents do.
Model A Good Attitude…But Tell the Truth.It’s also a helpful change of focus and something that can be done solo or as a shared activity. That can work just the same for kids and families in the middle of all of this. There’s a reason that serious athletes use visualization techniques as part of their practice because they help them prepare for when they compete in the real world. Picture something you can do in the future. Use Your Imagination. Imagination is a powerful tool for play, but it’s also great for dealing with stress.Writing, drawing, building, classic play with action figures and more are all outlets for personal expression, and that can help kids contextualize and process the experiences they’re having in this time. Look at the current situation as giving kids the gift of time to spend on something that interests them-and that might not be as easy when the schedule is packed. This is a time to learn a musical instrument, research an interesting topic or even become a magician. You might even take an imaginary trip somewhere together. The youngest kids don’t really have a sense of time, but for kids 4-to-7 or so, planning what you might want to do can be very calming. This can focus attention on the fact that this will pass-a concept that’s tough for kids around 4-7 to grasp. Talk about the future when we’ll have vaccines and vacations again. Encourage active play to give all that energy a focus. As parents and caregivers, try to understand what’s going on, and not take it too seriously.
Emotions may be a little bit more intense because kids often don’t know what to do with that excess anxiety-and the energy that produces. Accumulated stress can cause kids to act out. As we’ve talked to parents, teachers and professionals, we’ve gathered some ideas for ways to cope with the weeks ahead: We also know that play has always been a great way to reduce stress, increase communication, and make getting through the challenges of this time easier for everyone. Add to that the potential for more lockdowns increasing, concerns about a new strain of virus, and stress inducing news, this isn’t your usual winter. Those are common every year, but as we find ourselves in the tenth month of COVID-19 and winter only halfway through, kids may feel cabin fever a little more intensely this year. It’s not possible to go outside and run around, and tensions may be running high. The excitement of the holidays has probably worn off. For those who live in areas where winter still has its grip on the weather, cabin fever is nothing new.