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Minimize media. Warfield says it’s imperative to control the amount of information we’re all receiving through the news or social media. “Kids could have information at their fingertips they don’t quite understand,” said Warfield. When children do see or hear information about the pandemic, use that as an opportunity for conversation. Stress examples of what your family and others in the community are doing to keep people safe. For adults, it’s important to recognize when media consumption goes beyond being informed to overindulgence, says Lankford-Gordon. “When we are stuck in a cycle of fear, it is hard to remain calm, problem solve and focus on what is within our control,” said Lankford-Gordon. Mindfulness matters. At Calm Waters, mindfulness means slowing down to become aware of what you are feeling in your body, says Warfield. Practicing deep breathing, meditating, imagining yourself in your favorite place or squeezing play dough, a stress ball or stuffed animal can all help in this process, advises Lankford-Gordon. “We do a lot of journaling and drawing about what makes us feel anxious and what makes us feel better,” said Warfield of children’s grief groups at Calm Waters. These activities can help express emotions that are difficult to talk about, allowing kids to re-frame, process and release feelings. Other tips to calm an anxious child include taking a cold drink of water or naming a category of something alphabetically (like animals: alligator, bear, cat, etc.), recommends Lankford-Gordon. Ask or assess if your child is tired, hungry or thirsty. Make sure your child is staying hydrated, well rested and has regular meals and snacks (that goes for adults, too!) “Meeting a child’s basic needs can help prevent or calm an anxious child or a challenging behavior,” said Lankford-Gordon. Move your body. Exercise is one of the most natural, and quickest, ways to reduce stress and anxiety, says Lankford-Gordon. Family dance parties, kid-friendly yoga (Lankford-Gordon recommends Cosmic Kids yoga on YouTube) and jumping jacks are easy options to employ throughout the day. “Make sure kids have the opportunity to get outside and get fresh air,” adds Warfield. Take a walk, go on a nature hunt, hop on bikes or create an outdoor obstacle course to let loose and have fun. Establish routine. An extended period out of school and drastic changes in kids’ routines can lead to feelings of insecurity. Creating a routine, even if it’s different than usual, can help kids maintain a sense of normalcy and predictability. Take time together to talk through your family’s current routine. Create a poster with a schedule kids can depend on with activities they can look forward to, even if you just include two or three items a day, recommends Johnson. Rather than a rigid system, Lankford-Gordon suggests a “rhythm” mentality, which can be flexible but also predictable for a child. “When a child feels worried or anxious, sticking to what they know can create a sense of calm in what they may feel is chaotic,” said Lankford-Gordon. “Stick to regular mealtimes and bedtimes and other routines such as reading before bed.”
Many Thanks
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for voting us the past 7 years: Best Gymnastics Facility Best Party Venue Best Fun with Toddlers
• Summer Camps “Monday’s @ Metro” • Backhandspring and Cartwheel Clinics • Parent-Tot Classes
• Preschool Gymnastics • Recreational Classes • Tumbling Classes • AAU Competitive Gymnastics Team • Home to Metro Aerial @ Metro Gymnastics • Youth & Adult Aerial Silks Classes and Workshops • Aerial Silks and Gymnastics
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Birthday Parties • Private Lessons • Play Group Outings • Easy online enrollment
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848-5308 www.metrogymokc.com 7420 Broadway Ext. OKC, OK 73116 email: metrogymokc@sbcglobal.net Co-Owners: Sarah Blackledge Brawley Carol Blackledge Lee Enroll today!
10 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2020
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