Day 34: Friday night fun, glow stick dancing, tantrums, and dirt

SELF-LOVE: Friday Night Fun! Friday’s may not have same meaning they used to, but it’s important to mark the end of the week and add a little something to look forward to. Consider a Friday night ritual like “breakfast for dinner," an outdoor movie on the lawn, or maybe a ritual for you and your partner like a post bedtime adult dinner or a cocktail night! Children feel a great sense of security when they see their parents smiling and having some fun.

PARENTING TIP: Tantrums: Children are likely experiencing bigger feelings than normal. When children are experiencing changes in their routines, their brains are working hard to adjust and they are often left with less brain power to deal with the smaller things like broken crackers and leaving the bath. Know that these little things can be helpful releases for the bigger feelings behind them. You might even say, when they are upset about the crackers “it is hard to not see our friends at school right now.” See if you might even get a little bit of release from them. Remain calm and compassionate and help your child to know that home is a safe place to let out some steam.

INDOOR TIP: Do you have leftover glow sticks. Tape them to your children to make a stick people and have a family dance party!

OUTDOOR TIP: Bust out your child's sand toys and trucks. Take them to a patch of dirt at a local park or behind your house. It turns out dirt is more fun than sand.