All humans need to self-soothe in times of fear, anxiety, or confusion, “to counteract the emotional turmoil caused by increased heart rate, muscle tension, rapid breathing, inability to concentrate,” and other symptoms that “self-soothing helps to overcome.” and restoring calm to the body and nervous system,” says parenting and mental health writer Anna Lee Baer.
And because exposure to intense and difficult feelings has become part of the nature of human life in this world, regardless of his age;
In her book "Self-Soothing," published earlier this year, columnist Robin Raven stresses "the importance of self-soothing skills for all ages to help achieve a sense of well-being."
Although, it may be easy to soothe children and silence their crying, as long as we are near them and we can occupy them with a toy or a piece of candy, or just hug them;
Considering that parental hugs are still the best way to soothe children's feelings in times of emotional distress.
But, what if the parents are not around the child at this time?
Here, experts recommend starting "teaching young children the art of self-soothing, to give them the skills to help them regulate their emotions, in the stages of maturity."
Children cannot develop self-soothing skills to deal with difficult situations on their own unless they receive the necessary support (Pixels)
Self-soothing is essential for children
"Self-soothing is essential for children not only to fall asleep in the middle of the night or calm themselves in tantrums, but also to develop effective coping skills that are useful throughout their lives," says author Pamela Lee, author of several books on parenting.
Although children may engage in some self-soothing behaviors, such as thumb sucking, when they are upset;
They cannot develop self-soothing skills to handle difficult situations on their own unless they receive the necessary support.
Self-soothing, in general, is a temporary, short-term coping strategy for overcoming negative feelings and difficult situations.
By engaging in fun, relaxing, and calming activities that focus on the five senses to relieve stress, and banish unwanted thoughts, feelings, and impulses, through practical techniques, that can be practiced individually, or with the support of a professional.
Benefits include reducing symptoms of anxiety, slowing impulsive urges, increasing tolerance for distress and discomfort, and refocusing attention on the present moment;
All of which are influences that prevent a person from taking actions that make his situation worse.
It is best to activate her behaviors from the age of 8 to 9 months, according to Healthline.
These are 9 calming techniques, which Robin Raven recommends, to share with the child, to find out what works for him.
Slow down the tempo
It is not beneficial for the child to appear to be racing, his heart and mind racing all the time, and it is better “to do everything as slowly as possible to help him re-calm his body and direct his focus,” according to Raven, who explains that slowing down the child’s rhythm “can inspire joy, By giving him the opportunity to use his imagination, while also calming himself."
Make funny faces
Because any child is fascinated by seeing his face in the mirror, and because “laughter is a natural antidote to whining,” Raven says;
Why not let him challenge himself, and make funny or frowning pictures in front of the mirror?
Self-soothing, in general, is a temporary, short-term coping strategy to overcome negative emotions (Pixabay)
Customize a voice for each emotion
Expressing emotions may be difficult, but trying to distinguish them may increase the child's ability to express what he cannot say in words, and reassure him that every difficult feeling is not a disaster, by helping the child identify a special sound associated with each of the basic emotions. Joy, love, fear, anger, surprise, and sadness, according to Raven.
As if using sounds expressing happiness, such as whistling - for example - to obtain calmer feelings.
Rotate positive vibes
It is better to ask the child to describe the happiness and tranquility he feels, and to give him the opportunity to create a safe space in his imagination.
To remember it and benefit from it to calm himself down when he feels upset.
Therefore, Raven advises teaching the child to self-soothe while he is in a calm state, "to be relaxed, happy, and better able to acquire skills that help him summon these positive emotions when he is upset, even if the mother is not close to him."
Holding the heart during stress
So he made the child put his hand on his chest, which might make him feel comfortable.
According to a 2021 study, in which researchers indicated that “putting a hand on the heart reduces stress, just like receiving a hug from another person”;
Raven endorses this, saying, "I think it would be useful for parents who want to educate their children."
Touching the toes
As the child's stretching can help his muscles relax, when he tries to touch the toes while sitting or kneeling;
Ravin suggests the baby touch his toes with the opposite hand, alternating like a windmill;
"It is easy for children to make simple physical movements to distract and calm down," she said.
Texture description
Describing the sensation of touch, “It may calm the child, re-establishing harmony between his mind and body”;
Raven says, recommending that you start by teaching him how to describe how he feels about the texture of clothes, the table, the floor, or stuffed toys.
Before moving on to the other senses, asking him what he sees, hears, smells and tastes.
Describing the sense of touch, it may calm the child, and restore harmony between his mind and body (Pixels)
Focus on creativity
Some of the self-soothing ideas in her book, Raven states, were inspired by the arts helping to calm her as a child;
Considering that "imagination and creativity are two important pillars of self-soothing."
She warned against underestimating the role of the arts, saying, "Imagination and creativity are two important parts of self-soothing, which have a strong impact on a child's emotional health."
Celebration of victory
Encouraging the child to swing and move his body to the rhythm of "the music of victory", in celebration of his success in something;
"It can calm his nervous system, take his attention away from what's bothering him, and make him more focused on winning," says Raven.