Parenting can be challenging, and sometimes it feels like everything is happening all at once. This can often feel overwhelming! As a parent, it's essential to practice self-regulation skills, not just for ourselves but also for our children.
Recently, I found myself in a situation where I needed a reminder to take a few deep breaths and calm down. It had been a challenging week, starting daycare, fighting naps, and dealing with daylight savings. I was close to the edge, but I knew I needed to find a moment to recenter myself.
During my children's naptime, I went outside, picked up one of my affirmation cards, and read it aloud. I took ten deep breaths, and I instantly felt calmer. But why did I do this?
Firstly, calm is contagious, just like anxiety. As parents, our moods and emotions can significantly impact our children's behavior and well-being. When we find ways to recenter ourselves and find calm, we can share and spread it with our kids.
Secondly, self-regulation skills are not innate. It needs to be taught and practiced. If we practice self-regulation skills, our children will be more likely to follow our lead and develop these skills themselves.
So next time you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few deep breaths, and remember that practicing self-regulation skills is a practice that can benefit both you and your children.
"I am calm. When things are difficult, I take 10 deep breaths" is part of Metta Play bilingual affirmation card pack available here in French, Mandarin and Indonesian.