In my last post, I explored the phenomenon where kids become more active and silly, usually around an hour or so before bedtime! I talked about how, at this time of day, our children most likely have needs for connection with us, to offload stress/tension from the day, for physical activity and reassurance that we … Continue reading What to do when you don’t feel like playing
There seems to be a phenomenon where kids get ramped up in the evening, just when it’s time to start “winding down” and getting ready for bed. They might get super active, extra loud and silly, much to our dismay! They want to run around, they want jump, they want to play! They might do … Continue reading How play can help kids to feel calm, connected, reassured and ready for sleep!
Can you sometimes see your child's aggression coming, but just don’t really know how to respond to stop it? Deep breathing might help to calm a child, but it can be pretty hard to encourage them to do it once a fight-or-flight response has been triggered! And resorting to yelling, threatening "consequences", or “time out” … Continue reading Responding playfully to kids’ aggressive urges with faux fighting
It's not uncommon for little ones to have a fear of pooing in the potty (or toilet). And often it leaves parents feeling really unsure of what to do; not wanting to pressure their child for fear of making things worse, but also not really knowing how to encourage their child without resorting to rewards … Continue reading Play to pave the way for pooing in the potty!
I love pillows as props for responding playfully when my child feels like hitting or kicking! When kids are hitting or kicking, they are usually in a defensive state of fight-or-flight, which means they have lots of adrenaline pumping through their body, giving their muscles a surge of energy. Pillows offer the possibility of so … Continue reading Pillow games for responding playfully to our child’s aggression
Putting together my own observations and experiences, and what I know about the nervous system, I’d like to outline my understanding of what is going on when children lash out, how responding playfully can help, and why it can be so challenging for parents. WHY DO KIDS LASH OUT? When kids are lashing out, their nervous … Continue reading Kids’ aggression, responding playfully, and the challenge for parents
So last night my boy was bouncing a bit too vigorously on the sofa to the point that I thought he might damage the structure of the sofa. 🌼 From close by in the kitchen, I said to him in a silly voice, “I feel you are jumping too vigorously on the sofa!” (playful connection). 🌼 I … Continue reading Setting limits playfully – The “chase and can’t catch” game
As a new mum, I had a fairly easy time singing to and playing with my baby. This continued as my son became a toddler, with a focus on being present, following his lead, and sharing in his joy. As my son got older, I loved doing child-led play with him, often using soft toys, … Continue reading Play YOUR Way
A gorgeous mum friend asked me last week whether I might be willing to offer a workshop or two on playful parenting to her group of Playcentre parents. I felt really excited by her suggestion, and immediately started having ideas and making notes for what I wanted to include in the workshops! I’m tentatively calling … Continue reading Playful Parenting – What, When & Why?
I recently saw a post from a mum sharing about how her young daughter had started to express discomfort with her weight, and to call herself fat. And then another post by a mum about how her son was having trouble learning, and had called himself dumb. In both of these situations, I really connected … Continue reading “I’m fat”, “I’m dumb” : Responding to kids’ negative self-talk
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