No parent wants to take their child to the emergency room or hospital, but sometimes it's unavoidable. These situations can be incredibly overwhelming and stressful for both parents and kids. Bright lights, unfamiliar faces, and loud noises can create sensory overload, making it difficult to stay calm and grounded.
That's why I want to share a simple mindfulness practice that can help bring a sense of calm and connection during these challenging times. I used this myself the other day when we had to visit the ER with our toddler. So I know this works!
This exercise involves naming things in your immediate surroundings, helping you and your child observe your environment without attachment.
Here's how to do it:
- Name 5 things that are white.
- Name 4 things that move.
- Name 3 things that turn on and off.
- Name 2 things that are soft.
- Name 1 thing you can hear.
This exercise is easy to do while waiting in the ER or hospital, and it can be done with your child, taking turns naming things in your surroundings. While I sincerely hope that you never have to use this exercise, it's here for you to take when the situation arises. It may be just the thing you and your child need to stay connected, calm and centred during a stressful and uncertain time.