Maximize Love and Manage Stress with Your Toddler
Singing through Transitions: Transitioning from one task to another can be difficult and who doesn’t like a good song? The stress of transition can be eased through music. Let’s take play time for example, to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star try the following song when moving from play to dinner time: Twinkle, twinkle little star, Stop and clean up where you are. It’s time to put the toys away, We will play another day. Twinkle, twinkle little star, Stop and clean up where you are.
Practice sharing: Play games with your child that involve sharing or taking turns. Talk to your child through the steps of sharing. For example, “Now it’s my turn to build the tower, then it’s your turn. You share the blue blocks with me, and I’ll share the yellow blocks with you.” Point out the good with praise and explain why it is good for your child and others. “When you share, everyone gets to have fun.”
Talk about Feelings: Give your child acceptable ways to share strong feelings. Encourage your child to paint and draw as a way of expressing emotions. Painting and drawing can soothe and calm your child if they’re frustrated or sad. Help your little one understand there are many healthy ways of expressing feelings. Then put your child’s feelings into words: “When your sister took your toy, you felt really frustrated. Share your own feelings as well: I am so frustrated when I can’t find my keys.”
Exercise Empathy: Help your toddler to see others’ points of view, which encourages empathy. For example, “Your brother is feeling sad because mom had to go to work, now let’s see if he wants to play a game with us and make him feel better.”
Manage Household Stress: Stress is normal, too much is harmful. Adults’ stress can trickle down to children, so it is important to have strategies for coping when your life gets stressful. Try things like the following:
1. Understanding your own stress cues.
2. Take time to do something that is meaningful and relaxing for you.
3. Practice breathing techniques.
4. Develop/Use your support system. If you need assistance, do not be afraid to reach out to a friend, family member, or professional for help.
Activities Prepared by:
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Illinois
URL: https://namiillinois.org/
NAMI Illinois is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy.
