As summer vacation comes to an end, parents like you may start feeling the stress of an approaching school year. Balancing work, parenting, and all the other responsibilities can be overwhelming. But amidst the chaos, it’s important to pause and focus on the present moment, appreciating the joy and happiness your children are experiencing during the summer break. Take inspiration from their carefree mindset and embrace the journey of their summer development, while also reconnecting on an emotional level as well. Here are some approaches that may be helpful as the new school year approaches:
Mindfulness with kids: Create a space with your kids by taking a few moments each day to tune into the present moment can bring a sense of calm and clarity to everyones day. We can do this through how we communicate, create, and experience things within oneself and around us as well.
- Help kids to develop emotional safety, by reminding them these mindfulness statements: You are safe. You are loved. I’m here with you.
- Recommend finding activities to get rid of worried feelings: Go for a swim, play a board game, or listen to music.
- Let’s bring out some colored pencils, paint brushes, and markers. Take a piece of paper and draw whatever comes to mind when you think of your worry. Don’t worry about making it perfect, just let your hand move freely on the page. After you finish, take a moment to look at your drawing. What do you notice? Sometimes expressing our worries through art can help us better understand and manage them.
- Deep Breathing and Stretching. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Feel your belly rise as you fill your lungs with air. Hold it for a moment, and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat this process a few more times, focusing on your breath and allowing yourself to relax. Deep breathing can help reduce anxiety and bring a sense of calm.
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