SELF-LOVE:
In a similar vein as yesterday's question-ask yourself "What (feasible) thing would help me to be a better version of myself today?" Sometimes the answer is easier than we think-going to bed earlier, drinking more water, taking a walk by myself before making dinner, turning off my news feed. Sometimes answering the question is the hardest part, so stop and give yourself a moment to reflect and do just that.
PARENTING TIP:
Staying Calm Take Two: Yesterday we talked about identifying our triggers and noticing our physiological changes. Once you've identified and even said out loud how your body is responding (maybe even while stepping away or circling the room) next try stating out loud "I am feeling triggered right now." or "I am feeling very angry right now." Practice this as many times of day as you need to. The act of putting these feelings into words, allows you to reconnect with your pre-fontal cortex, reminds you that you are in a rocky place, and is the first step to staying calm.
INDOOR ACTIVITY:
(Literacy) Books come to life! This is one of my favorite activities to do with children. Start by reading one of your child's favorite books, then chose a way to "bring it to life." This might be acting out a favorite scene, reenacting a tea party, baking something from the story or creating an art project based on the story. Once you look at your books through this angle-you'll find lots of ideas come to mind! Here, Patrick and I read "Friendship Day" and then made our own friendship hats!
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY:
Squirt bottle - There's nothing quite as magical for a toddler as a squirt bottle filled with water. They can spend hours squirting plants, you, siblings, their feet. The wonder is endless. For older kids try washable paint or colored water on paper for some extra art fun.