Make some great changes this September

Parenting children who’ve experienced trauma often requires re-thinking traditional strategies. Here are some practical ways to make daily life smoother:

• Morning routines made easier. Get your kids on board with these five easy steps for an easier September
• Wake up early – less rushing means less stress and a more relaxed morning experience. Set the alarm clock half an hour earlier and enjoy a slower pace
• Fuel for success – A protein and some great carbs (think dippy eggs and toast, yoghurt and fruit or porridge and peanut butter will give the whole family the energy for a great morning without any of the dips
• Get moving – if you don’t walk to nursery or school, try family jumping jacks, PE with Joe or a quick run round the block with the dog nothing get those endorphins flowing like exercise
• Positive affirmations – develop a family chant and shout it loud as you can. If you need inspiration, check out Snoop Dog’s amazing channel – we promise it’s infectious.
• Get ready the night before – Nothing feels better than climbing out of bed, slipping into the right clothes, finding your shoes and bag by the door. It simply sets the tone for the day. Try it and let us know how it goes.
• Mealtimes matter – Keep meals relaxed with no pressure. Eating together builds routine and add in a sprinkle of laughter and chatter and you’re creating the perfect recipe for connection.  Have you tried cooking together? This helps with connection and children eating better too – check out these simple Jamie Oliver recipes to try
• Write down 3 things you’re grateful for each day – Editor Alex has started taking ten minutes before bedtime for her and her children to write down three things each that they are grateful for. She remarked “I initially started it to help my daughter as she is a glass half empty sort of person. I was so delighted with the effect it’s had on the whole family, we love to look back on what we’ve written, it gives us all such a positive feeling. Read the 10 benefits of journalling.
• Notice and praise effort, not just outcomes: “You kept trying even though it was hard.” This builds resilience and self-worth. Check out these positive compliment to enhance you child’s self-esteem.
  • • How did you do that?
    •  That sounds amazing, tell me more.
    • Let’s try together.
    • You can do hard things.
    • That was brave
    • I know it’s hard but I’ve seen you do it before
    • You make me proud
    • Even when we get frustrated, we still love each other
• Family meetings – Once a week, gather for 10 minutes to share “one good thing” and “one tricky thing.” It gives children a voice and models problem-solving.
• Nurture strong connections by
  • Being present and available. Spend quality time engaging in activities your child enjoys to help them feel safe and relaxed.
  • Listening and validating their feelings. Let your child know their feelings are understandable and okay, even if they seem overwhelming.
  • Being a source of calm.  Children look to adults for reassurance. Act calmly yourself and avoid expressing your anxieties around them.