Being a parent is challenging! Raising happy, confident, well-adjusted kids can be even more challenging! Parenting guru Michael Grose gives some great no- nonsense parenting advice that we stand behind at Harbor Family Chiropractic.
HELP YOUR KIDS UNWIND
“Modern kids are busy kids. Regardless of age, their days are filled with activities and it’s not uncommon for kids to have four and five extra-curricular activities a week,” says Grose. “Nothing wrong with kids being busy as long as they have plenty of chances to relax and unwind. Relaxation is a key to good mental health and well-being and it’s an important life skill for kids to learn.” “One way to ensure busy kids unwind is to make sure kids get bored every so often. There’s a temptation to fill kids’ days with activities so that no time is wasted. “I’m bored!” is the last thing most parents want to hear their kids say. Many parents feel compelled to do something to alleviate a child’s boredom. There’s nothing wrong with a little boredom now and then,” he says. “Boredom can be good for kids’ mental health and well-being, giving them the chance to muck around and take it easy for a time.”
How to unwind your kids:
* Let your kids regularly stare into the ‘fire’: The TV is the modern version of the camp-fire. No need for exertion, to think or talk to anyone, just a chance to chill-out and relax.
Yes, TV used in this way is good for kids’ mental health.
* Let kids exercise without rules: Kids have always been the kings and queens of play, that is until their lives became highly organised and scheduled. Free, child-initiated play is the ultimate in relaxation.
* Let kids experience flow: Flow is a state we get into when we’re so engrossed in an activity that time disappears. It’s the ultimate unwind. Free play generally takes young children to flow state very quickly.
* Help kids calm down around bedtime: Have a bedtime routine that calms kids down rather than winds them up. Be part of this routine by reading books, telling nursery rhymes or giving soothing back rubs.
* Unwind with your kids: Take time out and do something you both like doing together.
