Emotional scaling provides several benefits for children's social, emotional, and cognitive development. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Enhanced Emotional Awareness: By engaging in emotional scaling, children learn to recognise and label their emotions more accurately. This increased awareness can help them better understand their feelings and communicate them to others, leading to more meaningful interactions and healthier relationships.
2. Improved Emotional Regulation: Scaling emotions can empower children to regulate their emotions more effectively. By understanding that emotions exist on a spectrum, children can learn to identify when their feelings are becoming too intense and employ coping strategies to manage them in a healthy way.
3. Development of Empathy: Emotional scaling can also cultivate empathy in children by helping them recognise and understand the emotions of others. By learning to empathise with different emotional states, children can develop stronger interpersonal skills and a greater sense of compassion towards others.
4. Building Resilience: Through emotional scaling, children learn that it is natural to experience a range of emotions and that it is possible to navigate challenging feelings. This understanding can help build resilience, enabling children to bounce back from setbacks and cope more effectively with stressors in their lives.
5. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: When children engage in emotional scaling, they are encouraged to think critically about their emotions and develop strategies to address them. This process can enhance their problem-solving skills, as they learn to identify solutions to emotional challenges and implement them in a constructive manner.
6. Positive Mental Health Outcomes: By promoting emotional awareness, regulation, empathy, and resilience, emotional scaling can contribute to positive mental health outcomes for children. It can help reduce the risk of developing emotional and behavioral problems and promote overall well-being.
Incorporating emotional scaling into children's daily lives can be done through various activities, such as using visual scales (e.g., emojis, colour-coded cards) to represent different emotions, practicing deep breathing exercises to self settle, or engaging in role-playing scenarios to explore different emotional responses.
I've created an activity for you to do with your child, which can initiate a conversation about scaling emotions. It teaches them a positive method of communication for times when words can be hard.
Helping children scale their emotions can have numerous benefits for their social, emotional, and cognitive development. By nurturing their emotional intelligence through practices like emotional scaling, we can support children in becoming more resilient, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent individuals, equipped to navigate the complexities of the world around them.
The Importance of Self-Care:
Self-care isn't selfish; it's self-preservation. Parents are the heart and soul of their families, but neglecting their well-being can lead to burnout, stress, and diminished mental health. By prioritising self-care, parents can recharge their batteries, boost their resilience, and ultimately be better equipped to handle the demands of parenting with patience, love, and vitality.
Benefits of Self-Care at Home with Kids:
1. Modeling Healthy Behavior: Children learn by example, and when parents prioritise self-care, they teach their kids the importance of taking care of themselves. This sets a powerful foundation for lifelong habits of wellness.
2. Improved Mental Health: Parenthood can be overwhelming, but carving out time for self-care can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Even small acts of self-care can have a profound impact on mental well-being.
3. Enhanced Patience and Presence: When parents take time to nurture their own needs, they're better able to show up for their children with patience, empathy, and presence. This fosters deeper connections and strengthens family bonds.
4. Increased Energy and Vitality: Self-care isn't just about relaxation; it's about replenishing energy reserves. Whether it's through exercise, hobbies, or simply enjoying quiet moments alone, self-care boosts energy levels, leaving parents feeling more vibrant and alive.
5. Balanced Priorities: Prioritising self-care doesn't mean neglecting parenting responsibilities; it means striking a healthy balance between meeting the needs of others and tending to one's well-being. This balance is essential for long-term parental fulfillment and happiness.
Common Hurdles to Self-Care:
Despite the myriad benefits, many parents find it challenging to prioritise self-care. Some common obstacles include:
1. Guilt: Parents often feel guilty for taking time for themselves when there's so much to do for their children. It's important to remember that self-care isn't indulgent; it's essential for overall well-being.
2. Lack of Time: Parenthood is time-consuming, leaving little room for personal pursuits. However, even small pockets of time can be utilized for self-care, whether it's a brief meditation session, a leisurely walk, or a soothing bath after the kids are asleep.
3. Financial Constraints: Self-care doesn't have to be expensive. Simple activities like reading, journaling, or practicing mindfulness cost nothing and can be done from the comfort of home.
4. Perfectionism: Some parents believe they must excel in every aspect of parenting, leading to unrealistic expectations and self-imposed pressure. Embracing imperfection and allowing oneself to prioritize self-care is key to breaking free from this mindset.
In the beautiful chaos of parenthood, self-care isn't a luxury—it's a lifeline. By nurturing their well-being, parents not only benefit themselves but create a ripple effect of positivity that enriches the entire family. So, let's redefine self-care as an essential component of parenting, empowering parents to thrive as they navigate the joyful journey of raising children.
To help navigate the realm of school lunches with ease and simplicity, Lil & Eve’ spoke to Jess Britten, a mum of 3 young kids and the owner and founder of BIBO, a kids' mealtime business specialising in essentials for little ones, including eco-friendly bento boxes and silicone drink bottles, for her practical top tips for Back to School.
I understand the challenges parents face in crafting the perfect school lunch. While the allure of Instagram-worthy lunch boxes is undeniable, the reality of our hectic lives often means simplicity is key.
School lunches don't need to be a daily masterpiece. Prioritise your child's preferences over picture-perfect presentations. If Vegemite sandwiches are a hit, embrace them! Quick options like a BBQ chicken can effortlessly transform into a delicious chicken and lettuce sandwich if you have older children that want something a bit more fancy.
Freeze a yogurt pouch to keep lunchbox items cool. This ingenious hack not only maintains freshness but also provides a delightful, chilled treat as it defrosts throughout the day.
Selecting the right lunchbox is crucial, especially for young children. BIBO Silicone Bento Boxes, are leak-proof and lightweight, ensuring easy use for little hands, avoiding potential lunchtime struggles. Plus they won’t break a week into term one which let’s face it can easily happen with plastic options.
Embrace your freezer for more than just leftovers. Bake and freeze savory delights like pinwheels or scrolls, ensuring a hassle-free addition to lunch boxes. The freezer can even enhance the taste of baked goodies when sealed properly.
Encourage your little ones to participate in selecting lunch items. Studies show that children involved in kitchen activities are more likely to try new foods. Consider creating flashcards with their favourite foods for an interactive and enjoyable selection process.
Don't forget to add your Lunchbox love card to make opening up their lunch box extra special.
BIBO can help you transform mealtime into a stress-free, enjoyable experience for both parents and kids alike. https://bibobubs.com/collections/back-to-school
]]>To help ease this transition, one heartwarming and creative approach is the use of "Lunchbox Love Cards."
In this blog post, we will explore the concept of Lunchbox Love Cards and how they can provide comfort to children facing new school experiences, while specifically addressing separation anxiety.
Understanding Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a natural emotional response when a child is separated from their primary caregivers, such as parents or guardians. Starting primary school often triggers this anxiety as it involves spending extended periods away from familiar faces and surroundings. Children might feel worried, sad, or even fearful about being separated from their parents, making the transition more challenging.
Introducing Lunchbox Love Cards
Lunchbox Love Cards are small notes or cards that parents or caregivers can place in a child's lunchbox. These cards serve as a tangible reminder of love, support, and connection throughout the school day. They can include encouraging messages, jokes, doodles, or even short stories. The goal is to provide a touch of familiarity and comfort in a new environment.
Benefits of Lunchbox Love Cards
Starting primary school is an exciting adventure for children, but it can also be an emotionally charged time due to separation anxiety. Using Lunchbox Love Cards is a beautiful way to bridge the gap between home and school, offering reassurance, comfort, and a reminder of unwavering love. As parents, we have the power to make this transition smoother by infusing a touch of familiarity and positivity into our children's school days. With each card tucked into their lunchbox, we can instill a sense of security and support that will help them flourish in their new environment.
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Meditation offers numerous advantages for children, making it a valuable life skill to impart. Here are some of the key benefits:
Now, let's explore the fun part of introducing meditation to kids – making a DIY mindful glitter jar. This visual aid can be used as a focal point during meditation and is also a delightful craft project.
Click here for how to make your Calming, Mindful Glitter Jar and the material you need.
Whenever your child feels anxious or overwhelmed, they can use the mindful glitter jar as a meditation tool. Here's how:
Meditation is a valuable skill for kids, providing them with emotional resilience and a sense of inner peace. Introducing meditation through a fun and engaging activity like making a DIY mindful glitter jar makes the learning process enjoyable and accessible. So, why not embark on this creative journey with your child, teaching them the art of meditation while crafting a beautiful and calming jar of their own? It's a win-win situation that can benefit their well-being and provide cherished memories.
]]>Teaching children proper breathing techniques and the connection between mindful breathing and mental well-being can be both enlightening and enjoyable. In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety can affect everyone, including children. It's essential to equip our children with valuable tools to manage their mental well-being. One powerful way to achieve this is through belly breathing. Let’s explore how to help children become more aware of their breathing patterns, encourage them to pay attention to their belly movement during inhalation and exhalation, use encouraging visual cues, and incorporate games and activities to make learning a fun daily routine.
I hear you! What is belly breathing and why is it beneficial? Belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, involves taking deep breaths by expanding your diaphragm and abdomen. This technique encourages deeper and slower breathing, which help kids learn to pay attention to their breath and the movement of their belly, this can help calm the mind and reduce stress.
The first step is to help them understand how this works.
Visual cues are a fantastic way to help children grasp the concept of belly breathing. Here are a few simple and colourful visuals you can use:
Learning should always be fun for children. Incorporate these engaging activities into your belly breathing sessions:
Research has shown that regular practice of breathing techniques can significantly decrease stress, anxiety, and other related mental health conditions. These techniques foster resilience against stress and establish a lifelong coping mechanism, promoting improved mental well-being. Consistent practice of belly breathing empowers children with the ability to control their breath, offering a valuable tool to manage emotions and sustain a state of inner peace.
Make sure to emphasise the importance of regular practice. Encourage children to incorporate belly breathing into their daily routine. Whether it's before bedtime, during stressful moments, or simply as a mindful break during the day, consistent practice will help them understand the full benefits.
Positive Affirmation Cards for Kids
Teaching children the art of belly breathing is a gift that can last a lifetime. By using visual cues, fun games, and emphasising the mental health connection, we can empower our kids to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Let's help them breathe easy and live a happier, healthier life.
]]>Did you know that $1 from every purchase on Lil'Eve goes towards it helping kids in foster care get the resources they need for support and learning opportunities?
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Supporting your child with the tools to build a healthy positive mindset, self love and confidence is an invaluable opportunity for a growing childs’ mental wellbeing. Our self-belief affects everything in our lives. Imagine the impact it would have if children could wire their neural pathways early in life to believe that they are loved, smart, and strong.
Affirmations can help children whether they’re struggling at school, with friendships, with anxiety or simply as a way to create strategies for emotional resilience and self awareness to take through life with them.
The good news is that it’s never too late to start using affirmations with your children and the best news? We have some great resources to help you on this journey.
In this post, we’re going to have a look at 6 reasons why you should be using affirmations for kids.
Affirmations are positive statements that tend to begin with ‘I am…’ or ‘I can…’. As adults, we can use affirmations to overcome self-sabotaging beliefs. But, for children, affirmations can be used so that they don’t have to face those negative beliefs in the first place!
When we repeat positive affirmations with our children, we help them to develop a sense of self-love, self-belief, and self-confidence so that they’re able to go through life with tools to help them in daily life as well as when facing more challenging situations.
You might like to use affirmations by having your child repeat statements such as ‘I am strong’ or ‘I am confident’ whilst getting ready for school every morning. You could also use kids affirmation cards, encouraging them to read a card every morning or create another daily family ritual that encourages connection time.
At the end of this post, you’ll also find a FREE affirmation bracelet download so that your child can wear positive thoughts and be reminded of their greatness all day!
The core beliefs that influence how we see ourselves and the world around us are formed at an early age. This is what makes it so important for our children to form positive beliefs about themselves and their abilities.
After all, it’s much easier to encourage positive thinking early on than it is to try and change any limiting beliefs that we have about ourselves once we reach adulthood. For children this could impact their friendship circle, their willingness to be involved in activities, their learning capabilities and so much more!
Louise Hay explains in ‘Creating a Positive Approach’ that the beliefs we form during childhood cause us to create experiences that support those beliefs. For example, if a child grows up thinking that he is stupid, he will naturally look for things to support that belief. Instead of focusing on the awesome grade that he got in music, he’ll pay attention to the not-so-great grade that he got in maths - because this supports the belief that he is not clever.
Let’s help them build positive beliefs so that they can go through life looking for all of the things that lift them up and remind them just how wonderful they are!
The National Survey (2018-2019) estimated that 20% of Australians considered themselves to have a mental health condition.
Limiting or negative beliefs can be lifelong when not challenged and can cause us to think badly about ourselves, our situation, and our environment. When our brain is constantly looking for “proof” that supports our negative beliefs, we begin to see the world in a negative way even when, in reality, it isn’t the case. This is a quick way to start suffering from mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
When we raise our children with positive affirmations that become beliefs, we’re equipping them with emotional resilience, one of the very best tools for being able to deal with challenging situations. After all, our positive thoughts will allow us to see more difficult situations for what they are and nothing worse.
School-aged children have more confidence to step outside of their comfort zone when using affirmations that lead them to have confidence and belief in themselves (Effie Maclellan 2014). Imagine someone following you around all day and telling you that you’re smart, confident, and able to achieve anything. You would probably feel pretty good about yourself.
Well, affirmations for kids are the same! It’s a way of nurturing our children to automatically consider themselves and their abilities in the best way, no matter what happens. Affirmations, when repeated, lead us into a natural state of believing in ourselves - and what better gift could we offer our children than that?!
Not only do we wire our brains to think positively when repeating affirmations, but research also suggests that brain activity increases when we are self-affirmed (or when we have a strong sense of self). For children, this entire process becomes all the more straightforward because their brains are like sponges!
Dan Siegel says that “where attention goes, neural wiring flows!”. When children repeat positive affirmations, not only will they feel great in the moment, but their brain will begin to wire itself to think of these positive beliefs as truth which will help to develop emotional resilience.
Using affirmations is a simple way to nurture the well-being of our children as they learn and grow. We have the opportunity to teach our children that taking care of their mental wellbeing is as important as anything else in life. And that, in fact, it may be the most important thing of all.
Affirmations are an easy introduction to the world of wellbeing and self-growth, which makes them perfect for children of all ages.
Whether you choose to repeat affirmations together at breakfast, read kids affirmation cards, give them affirmation bracelets to wear or take the time to help them switch their negative beliefs to positive ones, nurturing your child’s wellbeing is one of the most important things that you can do for them.
Affirmations for kids are a simple yet effective way to encourage our children to believe in themselves and grow into adults who are kind, compassionate, and know the importance of prioritising their wellbeing.
Take a look at our FREE affirmation bracelets for a wonderful way to remind your child just how incredible they are. Let’s raise children who believe that they are capable of anything!
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