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Parents of Young Children

Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques help kids feel calm, focus better, and understand their emotions. It teaches them to slow down and notice what’s going on around them, even when they have challenging emotions. Practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and make it easier for kids to handle big feelings.

Animal Yoga

Yoga movements can help kids feel calmer and more mindful of what’s going on around them. Try this animal yoga activity for a fun, interactive way to practice yoga skills with a child you care about.

Animal Yoga

Color Quest

Help kids reduce focus on big feelings and pay more attention to what’s going on around them with this color quest activity.

Glitter Jar

A glitter jar is a calming tool that helps kids visualize their feelings by watching the glitter slowly settle after shaking it. Try this glitter jar activity to help kids feel more relaxed and in control of their emotions.

Learn About Feelings

Young children learn about feelings from the grown-ups around them. Teaching children the names of different feelings, what feelings feel like in their bodies, and what feelings look like in other people helps children talk about their feelings and start to learn how to manage their feelings. Check out these resources and activities to teach your child about feelings.

Relaxation

Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, mindfulness, or muscle relaxation, calm your body and mind. They help reduce stress, anxiety, and sadness. Doing these activities regularly can improve sleep, help with managing  emotions, and help with solving problems . Try these relaxation activities with a child you love! Practice them regularly with children when they are already calm.  Once they have learned to use the strategies, you can help them practice when they are stressed or upset.

Pizza Breathing

Deep breathing helps kids calm their bodies down when they have a lot of feelings. Try this fun pizza breathing exercise to help kids learn to take slow, calming breaths.  

Take Five Breathing

Another way to learn deep breathing is the take five method. Kids use their hands as a guide, tracing each finger while breathing out. Try this activity with a kid in your life!

Take-Five Breathing

Muscle Squeeze

Difficult feelings can make kids feel tense. Teach them how to reduce tension in their bodies with this fun muscle squeeze activity.

Healthy Sleep Habits

Getting good sleep is important for mental health. When we have a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine, it helps our mood and how we think. Sleeping well helps manage stress, makes us less anxious or sad, and helps us concentrate better. People benefit from going to sleep and waking up around the same time, even on weekends. They also sleep better when they put away screens at least an hour before bed and sleep in a comfortable, cool environment. Check out these resources and activities to help your child sleep better.

Healthy Diet

Eating good foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains is important for how we feel. When we eat healthy foods, it helps our brain work better and keeps our mood in check. Having a balanced diet gives us more energy, helps us handle stress, and stay focused. Check out these tips for creating healthy habits for your child. 

Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a powerful tool for improving mental health. It helps us spot the good, reducing stress and boosting our overall mood Whether we write down what we’re thankful for or express gratitude to others, it not only makes us happier but also brings us closer to those around us, fostering joy and connection that benefit our minds. Check out these resources and activities to teach your child about gratitude.