B is having a small tantrum because he doesn't want to stop playing and take a nap. He uses a calm down strategy (song from Daniel Tiger) during his tantrum. He has been practicing this particular strategy during calm moments daily for about a month. It is very important to practice strategies that you want your child to use while they are calm so that they can access them during a tantrum.
The more support we can offer children so they know what is happening in their day, the smoother the day will go. Don't we all want to know what's going to happen next? And if we have to stop something we love, don't we do better when we have a little warning? All of our schedules have been completely thrown off with the closing of school. Try out some of these ideas, and see if they begin to help smooth out the days. Remember, though, it takes time for children to learn the routines. Don't be discouraged! Just keep trying.
Transitions are hard for children, which make transitions hard for parents too! Kathryn has just started a new transition routine with Ben. Watch as she demonstrates using a timer as a transition cue at bedtime.
It might not look like it does at school, but it still can be just as meaningful! I've made these cookies so many times, I don't even need to see the recipe. But times are different right now, and I was so distracted by what I was doing (making videos) that I'm pretty sure I forgot the second cup of flour! Guess what? They still taste like cookies. And that should be the take away from this video. It won't be the same... and that's OK! Unexpectedly at home. Expect differences. In there somewhere, though, try to find moments to enjoy each other.
The best time to practice calming strategies is when you're already calm! Just like teaching literacy and math, we need to teach ways for children to calm themselves when frustrations happen (and when you are little, lots of things can be frustrating!). Kathryn shows how she and Ben work on ways to help calm down. They like Daniel Tiger, so that's the strategy they use. Whatever strategy you choose, it is important to practice it while your child is actually calm! Trying to implement something new when your child is already in "crisis mode" will not be very effective. Practice whatever strategy you are going to use until the cue for the strategy becomes automatic. That way, your child will be able to access it when they need it!
Find an activity that your child enjoys. When first teaching turn taking, it helps to use a toy or game that has multiple pieces so you aren't having to share only one item. A puzzle is perfect! Notice how Kathryn is talking to B the entire time and asking who gets to have the next turn.
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