Calming Strategies For Kids – 12 Ways To Calm Without A Screen
Looking for calming strategies for kids? Here are 12 tips to calming your kids without the need for screen time.
Let’s chat about calming strategies for kids.
Calming kids down is a skill all parents would love to master!
I know, I know, as a parent it sometimes feels like pulling out a tablet or phone is easiest thing to do when your child starts to fuss.
In theory it works UNTIL we start to realize that it has become a bad habit, and our kids are demanding screen time more and more often.
However, the good news is there are alternatives that are safer and far more effective in the long run.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
You’ve probably heard recommendations about limiting screen time for children, but the context matters as well.
Experts aren’t telling you this in order to make your life more difficult or because they want you to struggle at home.
Instead, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against relying exclusively on media to calm children because it may potentially interfere with their learning how to manage their emotions on their own.
And we can all see how that could be true, right?
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
In fact, playing games and watching videos nonstop to calm down can backfire in the end.
Some studies have found that excessive screen time contributes to behavior issues, including hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulties with paying attention.
So, what can a parent do when kids are bored at home or about to throw a tantrum at the supermarket?
The good news is THERE ARE ALTERNATIVE WAYS FOR YOUR KIDS TO COPE. It’s time to discover how to calm your kids without a screen.
Steps to Take with Your Child
Limiting screen time can be a tough job when you’re surrounded by devices at home and away (especially if you are addicted to your phone yourself).
But even still, you can equip yourself with strategies to help your child to soothe themselves without technology.
Here are a few technology-free responses that you can use:
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 1 – Show empathy.
If your child is upset giving them a screen is not the answer.
Instead, give your child your full attention when they need to talk with you.
If circumstances prevent that, let them know you want to sit down together as soon as possible.
Validate their feelings even if you disapprove of their behavior.
They need to know they are been seen, heard and understood.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 2 – Let them cry it out.
Guess what?
Sometimes it’s okay for your kids to cry.
If you grew up without an iPad (anyone a young kid before the 2000s) then chances are that’s what you did when you were upset.
Teach your child that strong emotions are natural.
It’s part of being a human.
Give them a chance to find their own solutions.
FYI: They’re likely to settle down faster if you also stay calm. Practice what you preach and set a good example.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 3 – Arrange playdates.
Solitary screen time sometimes crowds out social experiences that are essential to your child’s development.
Encourage your child to hang out with friends instead and participate in after school activities.
This will really keep them busy and engaged in life.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 4 – Assign chores.
In addition to teaching responsibility, routine tasks can be soothing and take your child’s mind off worrying about other stuff.
Maybe prepare meals together or assign each child a day to vacuum.
Keeping them busy means less time on their devices.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 5 – Read books.
Brain scans show that reading is associated with superior structure in white matter cells responsible for learning.
Yay, this is the best news ever!
Can you tell I love reading?
Keep books around the house and borrow as many as you can using your library card. I am a massive advocate for reading with your kids.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 6 – Go outdoors.
There’s something about being out in nature that relieves stress.
Remember when you were little and if you were being annoying your parents would make you go outside to play?
Well, you can do the same.
Send them outside to play or ride their bikes or play catch or do somersaults and cartwheels in your backyard.
Fresh air is the best medicine.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 7 – Make crafts.
Expressing creativity is another way to relax.
You and your child can browse online for project ideas and repurpose household materials like fabric and gift-wrapping paper.
It always easy to find something to make from the scraps around your home.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 8 – Encourage mindfulness.
I really don’t think it is ever too early to introduce your children to meditation and yoga (the same goes for reading).
You can do simple stretches and breathing exercises with your child or teach them how to do it from an early age to help them calm down.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 9 – Enforce bedtimes.
Children engaged in excessive screen time tend to go to bed later, fall asleep slower, and get fewer hours of sleep each night, according to The National Sleep Foundation.
Not really a surprise, right?
So why not set a curfew for turning off electronic devices at least two hours before bedtime.
This is so important if you want them to go to sleep easily.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
Steps to Take by Yourself
One thing before you go.
Your children will be paying more attention to your actions than your words.
Therefore consider how your daily habits (general and with your own screens) may be affecting your children, so you can provide a positive role model.
Try out these strategies:
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 10 – Interact as much as possible.
Your time and attention are the most valuable things you can give to your children.
So do what you can to engage with your kids.
Plan family activities and one-on-one outings.
Staying connected will help your child to feel safe and calm.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 11 – Slow down.
What are mornings like at your house?
Are they crazy busy?
Are you waking up too late?
Are you unprepared?
Children are much more likely to cooperate when you plan for enough time to avoid rushing around.
CALMING STRATEGIES FOR KIDS
TIP # 12 – Design a family plan.
My final point is probably the most important.
Negotiate a media use contract for your family.
Do you even know how much screen time you want to allow your kids to have?
What happens if they break these rules?
Do you know what the consequences are?
It’s important to agree to basic rules for using electronic devices, so you can make technology your ally.
It doesn’t need to be your enemy.
I’m not suggesting you eliminate it altogether but that you come to a place where the time spent on screen is acceptable to you and doesn’t cause either you or your child any stress.
All in all, some screen time can be fine in moderation.
However, teaching your children to manage their emotions and entertain themselves offline will definitely prepare them for a healthier and happier life.
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I’m Frances Vidakovic – a mindset & action coach for quietly ambitious women who want to stop overthinking and finally take aligned action. I help women achieve their goals and follow through on what matters, without sacrificing their sanity or soul.