Kids get annoyed when their playmates betray them, parents don’t give them the toy they want, or even when hungry. Some kids stomp their feet when they want to express their frustration. Parents wonder how to direct that anger into something productive.
When kids see their parents unleash their anger, kids imitate it. This shows how kids will mimic what they see their parents do.
Here are the 10 tips on how to calm kids down
#1 Create a safe spot or chill nook
When adults get mad, they go to their safe haven to calm themselves down. This applies to kids as well. If parents create a safe spot for their kids to calm down, it helps them let go of their frustration independently. This spot could be in the living room, play room, or even a tiny nook in their bedroom. Fill the nook with toys and comfy blankets.
In creating this spot, always remember to tell them its purpose and how it will help them in the future. When parents forget to explain the purpose of the spot, they may just neglect it.
#2 Do some breathing exercises
Kids breathe differently when they get frustrated. They breathe rapidly which leads to anxiety. Even as young as they are, parents can teach them the importance of breathing exercises.
Instruct the kids to breathe slowly, taking deep breaths to help their bodies calm down slowly. When their bodies calm down, their mental health will calm down as well. Remember to tell the kids to step away a bit and breathe whenever they feel angry.
#3 Disconnect from the internet and from gadgets
Nowadays, kids find their gadgets more appealing than interacting with others. Getting out of the house and playing with other kids helps them learn to manage their anger.
When kids continuously watch tv shows or movies that show violent scenes, parents must be vigilant with the access they give their children. Their gadgets must contain apps that do not show violence or use curse words. Kids copy these which leads to fights.
Don’t forget to restrict their access and educate them about these things.
#4 Take a walk outside
Taking a breather through short walks helps kids calm down. Looking around at the scenery will lift their mood as they get distracted.
#5 Find calming music
Most say that music appeals to everyone and that it’s the universal language. Find the right genre that kids relax to. Some parents encourage their kids to play musical instruments. Listening to instrumental music frees their minds from the anger that they feel.
#6 Create a gratitude list
As parents, expressing gratitude to those who help them makes them feel better. When parents imprint this idea in their kids, they learn to be more grateful to everyone around them. This helps them calm down when they feel hurt by the people around them.
Reading through the list makes them realize how much that person did for them.
Later in life, this practice helps them appreciate the world around them.
#7 Browse through funny videos and memes on the internet
“Laughter is the best medicine.”
When people look at funny videos, they can’t help but laugh. Parents do this to take a break from stress. However, the same thing applies to kids. If parents allow their kids to watch, it helps them calm down as they laugh.
Of course, parents need to check the content that the kids watch. Remember to educate them about what they watch on the internet.
#8 Express it through hugs
Hugging melts the walls that people have. With kids, hugging them when they feel angry calms them down and lets them breathe. Sometimes, parents feel relief from their kids when they hug them. Moreover, kids feel the love that their parents have for them.
#9 Find time to reflect and be quiet
After creating the safe spot, parents can lead their kids here to reflect on what happened. Some parents talk to their kids or just tell them to lay down for a few minutes. Others play games with their kids to calm them down before discussing what happened.
#10 Educate kids about being empathetic
Kids normally do not know the consequences of their actions. Some think that when they tease others, it’s fine. However, parents must educate their kids on how to be more empathetic to others to avoid conflict.
Some parents ask kids questions like these:
- If you were in their shoes, how would you feel?
- If the same thing was done to you, how would you react?
These simple questions teach kids to be more sensitive to the people around them.
Parents need all the help they can get in order to calm their kids down. Some think of enrolling their kids in learning centers to help them improve their social skills. Finding the right one begins with enrolling at Imagine Nation Learning Center.
