| Back to Back Issues Page |
 |
|
would you like tips on calming tots down? July 31, 2011 |
NB: If you can't see the Toddler Ideas header above, set your email provider to allow images from clever-toddler-activities.com
Calming ToddlersToddler Ideas is the insightful ezine delivered to your inbox monthly from clever-toddler-activities.com July 2011 Issue 21 Featuring:
Opening ThoughtsExciting New E-book Coming SoonWell, of all toddler behavior, aren’t temper tantrums the worst to deal with?! What about having proven techniques ‘up your sleeve’ to effectively and calmly deal with a raging toddler? Much research and observation have been conducted into the short-term and long-term effects of the practices in this ebook. Find out why some common techniques fail and even harm children without us realizing. Stay tuned as I’m in the process of completing the ebook: How to Handle Temper Tantrums Respectfully. I hope you find the information about calming children useful in this issue of Toddler Ideas. Q&A with ClaireHow to Settle Toddlers Down at NightHi Kathie, Thank you for your question via clever-toddler-activities.com. Settling toddlers at night can be a challenge, especially as they often have more energy than us at the end of the day, right? :-) I've heard that calming things thing down a hour before sleeping helps anyone get a good night rest. As children are very receptive to our emotions and state of mind, it helps to try and calm our inner being first. I know this can be tricky when the house is a mess, it's approaching (or passed) their bedtime and they're not ready for bed, but it's worth the effort. It’s common knowledge that sugar and artificial sweeteners often make children hyperactive. It might be worth giving fruit or fruit sweetened desserts/yogurts at the end of last meal of the day. Even pure fruit juice can give children a ‘sugar rush’ so water or milk are much better at helping little one’s feel calm. Routines often help young children feel secure because they know what to expect and creates a step by step approach through this change of activity. Lots of young children need long drawn out bedtime routines to settle down and others need flexibility to help them relax. Bath time before bed is traditional yet I've found it gives some toddlers lots of energy. You know your toddler, bath them in the evening if it has a calming effect or another time if gives them a second wind. Calming the environment is very useful. I've found having a tidy home has had a calming effect on little ones, especially if they're allowed to keep playing. Switching off the TV and laptops an hour before the children go to bed can help too. Even though watching TV can seem relaxing, the screen shines so bright and can be so engaging that other activities can be better at settling children. Spending 30 mins to a hour in their bedroom with you in the evening would probably help. Enjoy a break from background sounds or play calming music. You might like to burn baby safe relaxing scented candles out of reach during this quiet time unless your child becomes sensory over-loaded in their tired state. When preparing their room before hand, I'd take out all noisy/flashy electrical toys and place a small collection of quiet toys like easy puzzles, blocks, dolls, stuffed animals, nesting/stacking toys or small model play sets. While they should be interesting, keep in mind that the mind works slower when it's tired so be sure your child finds them easy and relaxing to play with. Of course reading your toddler a bedtime story, or a few, is an excellent activity for settling a little one at night. Massaging and stoking your child's back or tummy while they lie in bed might help as long as they don't find it ticklish. Lying with your toddler in bed or cuddling them in a rocker can not only help your little one sleep, but may help their confidence and self-esteem grow too. Toddlers who routinely resist sleep may be fearing the separation which they associate with it, or bad dreams they may have. I like to stay with little ones as they fall asleep to give them emotional support if needed. If it takes them ages to go to sleep each night, maybe you could move their bedtime back a little. You will find more tips on the Bedtime Routine Activities on our site. Using your intuition and experimenting slowly will help you to custom fit a calming routine that will help your child(ren) settle down in the evening. I hope these ideas help. If this inspires you to try something else, awesome. I'd be interested to hear what works well for you and your young child(ren). Feel free to ask other toddler related questions as they arise. :-) Take care, Claire Featured PageThis Action Poem Really Helps Calm Children!The Happy Tapping Poem helps children to cope with the little bumps in life - both physical and emotional! Intrigued? Simply find the poem and a summary of how it works here. What Do You Think?If you liked this ezine please do a friend and me a big favour and tell them about Toddler Ideas. If a friend DID forward this to you and if you like what you read, click here to subscribe. When you subscribe, you'll receive a FREE download of 'On the Spot' Toddler Activities that can be done anywhere with whatever is around you.I would be happy to answer any questions you have about toddlers. I'd also love to read a cute/funny story about young children, a parenting tip, a great toddler activity or a comment you have about Toddler Ideas at our Contact Form. |
| Back to Back Issues Page |