I'm a child psychologist and parent educator. My ChildSightTools® courses help parents see through kids eyes. Sign up for my weekly Newsletter!
My Pick: Sitting Still Like A Frog
DR. BETH'S RECCS
Be Like a Frog: A Great Book for Child Mindfulness
Hello again!
At the end of each month, I suggest a resource.
This week, it's Sitting Still Like a Frog by Eline Snell. It's a great book with accompanying resources (audio, workbook, toddler version) to introduce mindfulness to young kids.
Here's why I like it.
It speaks kids' language.
It's hard to think about your body and your thoughts. That's a pretty adult enterprise.
But pretending to be an animal ... now that is concrete and doable. Successful interventions for young kids blend the body and imagination in metaphors like this.
Imagine yourself are a frog, sitting completely still, watching everything in your environment -- that is truly inspired. This image brings to life a still body and alert mind, not thinking about past or future, just now.
It introduces a critical life skill ... early.
You've heard me say: I learned mindfulness at age 50. How I wish I had been 5.
In a swirling hectic life with social media all around all the time ... learning to center within yourself is a priceless gift.
Mindfulness isn't zoning out, thinking about nothing. It's a process of noticing the swirl you are in, noticing your emotions and body sensations -- instead of getting swept away by them.
It invites parents to try mindfulness, too.
Sure, go ahead, tell your child be mindful.
Works a whole lot better if you're along for the ride. This book invites parent participation.
You know for sure -- they're watching everything you do. Taking some moments to "center" is teaching by doing. Let them imitate that. They will.
It's so hard to step out of the daily swirl. Harder still to step into your child's head. But it IS possible!
Parents just like you taught me this: When you learn what it feels like to be your child, you turn a bright, new corner in parenting.
I named this process ChildSight. It can lift you out of dark days. If you'd like to learn more, click here.
See you next week!
And remember ... Looking through your child's eyes changes everything.
Cheers!
Dr. Beth
What are your thoughts? Hit reply or email Beth@DrBethKids.com.
Let's connect! You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Got this from a friend? Get the newsletter yourself!
| Subscribe here. |
Hi, I'm Dr. Beth Onufrak!
I'm a child psychologist and parent educator. My ChildSightTools® courses help parents see through kids eyes. Sign up for my weekly Newsletter!
PARENTING PEACE Shed the Stress of Holiday Prep Hello again! Feel like you're sinking in holiday stress? This wonderful time of year can feel quite un-wonderful. Time pressure, planning, gift-getting. If you're feeling more dread than delight, you are not alone. My ChildSightTools® advice is always from the child's point of view. But this post is from yours. Why? Because your stress seeps into them ... doubling your load. Here are some ways to reduce the Stress of the Season with mantras....
GOOD DIRECTIONS 3 Ways to Help Separation Anxiety Hi there! Your little one (or one who's "getting too big for this") is clinging to you for dear life. Soaked with tears, your shirt is stuck to your neck. Fist-pulled and wrinkled, your shirt tells the tale of their desperation. Saying "You'll be fine, it'll be okay" only supercharges the tears. Have you been here? Panic and refusal may appear the same in different kids with separation anxiety. But the reasons may be worlds apart. Separation...
CHOICE POINTS So, now they hate you? Really?! Hello, again! "Did you get that newsletter?" I ask. Today's issue is among those I reach for the most. The "I Hate You" moment is common and so painful. Sharing this newsletter is the quickest way to help parents in my care. Here it is again, if you weren't with me back in April. No doubt, this is a nasty moment. Your lovey says “I hate you.” If you've already lost it, so be it! You're human. We cannot always choose our first response. But we can...