human to feel emotions and express them, you can use certain strategies to help your child navigate major emotions and calm down. The key is helping them tap into their central nervous system with activities that engage their senses. Just like adults, younger kids sometimes need support to regulate their emotions, especially in situations that are stressful for them. That’s where activities that engage the five senses can be really beneficial. Sensory activities that utilize the five senses can help your little one connect their body to their immediate surroundings and the larger world around them.
HELP YOUR KIDS HANDLE STRESSFUL SITUATIONS With These Sensory-Rich Activities
Here are some sensory-rich activities that can help kids feel calmer in stressful times:
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Make a pile of pillows and jump into it. Put on some fun music and dance.
• Bounce your little one on your lap or an exercise ball. • Take them for a spin around the house in a box or laundry basket; kids can even race each other. • Create a slide by propping a mattress or exercise mat against the couch. These are activities you can use right where you are to help your child find their calm again, even in a meltdown. According to early childhood development expert Alyssa Blask Campbell, sensory input stays in the system for about two hours, meaning even just five minutes of these types of activities can give you and your child hours of calm throughout the day.
You can see it happening, almost in slow motion: Your child goes from playing and laughing to frowning in less than a second. They start to cry, and suddenly, a meltdown is underway.
Is this just the way raising young kids is? Does a lack of sleep, change in routine, or intense hunger always have to lead to a meltdown? While it’s
5 Mistakes to Avoid During a Child Custody Case
No. 1: Making the Case About Your Ex Instead of Your Child At all times, a child custody case is about your minor child or children. When determining custody, deciding visitation, and allocating holidays or exceptions, the family court is going to consider what is in the best interest of the child and make a ruling according to that standard. Stay focused on the reasons you deserve full or partial custody and show lifestyle choices and parenting skills that make you a strong choice for custody. No. 2: Taking to Social Media to Air Grievances If you aren’t willing to sign off and shut down your accounts entirely, you need to refrain from sharing information about your child custody case or bashing your ex. Use of social media to share personal stories or smear your former spouse’s reputation frequently backfire. The people in both your lives are forced to take sides. Your ex becomes upset, angry, and more committed to refusing you custody or visitation. Neither of these responses is helpful for your child custody case or future family structure. No. 3: Refusing to Compromise or Cooperate In all aspects of a divorce or separation, there must be room for compromise. It is an inherent part of reaching a settlement and receiving a divorce decree from the family court. The final outcome of a child custody case is no different. You will need to find some common
ground with your ex to reach a conclusion. Working closely with
your family lawyer will help set your priorities and help determine where compromise is and isn’t an option. No. 4: Trying to Out-Talk Your Child in a Child Custody Case The loudest voice in any custody case should be your child’s. The preferences and happiness of your child are paramount, and that could very well mean spending time with both parents. When possible, a family court will consider the perspective and opinion of your child, and you should as well. No. 5: Remaining Passive During the Process While we advocate for a levelheaded and calm demeanor during the divorce and custody process, this doesn’t mean we believe clients should remain silent and passive in the background of their child custody case. Rather, any good family lawyer will help you tell your story in a strategic, vibrant, and convincing way.
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