Alphabreaths
In Alphabreaths, children will learn their ABCs and the basics of mindfulness through playful breathing exercises.
The post Can you tell if your child is anxious? Common signs of anxiety, stress and worry in children. first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
]]>More and more kids, unfortunately, have been experiencing stress, worry and anxiety. This was again made more prominent when our children’s regular routines were put into constant disarray due to the impact of COVID. These feelings can be disheartening and overwhelming.
What does stress look like in children? This can actually look different to stress for an adult. If you have noticed that your child has become very quiet or suddenly speaks fast and becomes difficult to understand what they are saying. Are they spending more time in their room and not wanting to come out? Are they trying to avoid places or activities that remind them of these stressful events or activities? Are they not as engaged in the family as they once were? These are potential signs that they are stressed, worried and/or anxious.
Other indicators may include;
- Difficulty sleeping, changes in sleep patterns or nightmares.
- Restlessness, on edge or increases in activity levels (constantly on the go).
- Complaining of headaches or stomach aches.
- Easily agitated; bothered by things they are usually okay with.
- Increased meltdowns and tantrums
- Decreased attention
- More clingy behaviours
However, there is a multitude of strategies that can be applied to help ease these overwhelming feelings and thoughts. These strategies are founded within mindfulness.
Some strategies include:
- Breathing exercises
- Physical exercise
- Having the feeling named and normalised “It sounds like you are anxious. I understand. Anxiety can be tricky. Can I help?”
- Talk about concerns or worries your child may have
Want more information on mindfulness and the mindfulness products we recommend? Read ‘Making Mindful Children‘ or learn more about our group programs.
Spring Forward has child and adolescent counselling services available to help support them through difficult circumstances and uncomfortable emotions. Meet our Counsellor Danielle or find out more about our counselling services.
MHNSF Pty Ltd T/A Spring Forward Family Centre is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The post Can you tell if your child is anxious? Common signs of anxiety, stress and worry in children. first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
]]>The post Making Mindful Children: How mindfulness can benefit your child first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
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What is mindfulness? What does mindfulness do? How can my child benefit?
Practising mindfulness means paying attention to what is happening in our minds, body, and immediate environment, while remaining present, compassionate and curious. Overtime, mindfulness practises improve our ability to cope during times of high stress. Because of this, mindfulness results in greater mental clarity, an increased ability to care for and love ourselves and others, and achieve improved mental and physical wellbeing.
The reason for this is because our senses help engage us in the present and help us to notice what is happening around us. By focusing on one sense, we engage in mindfulness. Mindfulness activities like mindful smelling and mindful listening are great strategies that can help manage these thoughts and feelings of worry and anxiety. There are many more strategies that can be used. Mindful listening and smelling are just a small snippet of what can help these thoughts and feelings.
Meditation is another form of mindfulness as it focuses on the present moment. It also allows your mind, body, and spirit to rest and therefore can benefit your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Mindfulness meditation focuses on breath work to calm and reduce negative feelings in the body.
There is a plethora of activities that can help bring mindfulness forth. To start your child’s mindfulness journey at home, we have provided you with some at home suggestions below.
Prefer guided mindfulness interventions for your child? Our Mindful Magic group program provides innovative methods of mindfulness to help reduce stress, worry and anxiety, teaching children how to work their own magic using their mind.
Book your child in for the April 2022 School Holidays!
Meet our Mindful Magic Creator & Counsellor Danielle, and Creator, Facilitator and Therapy Assistant Brittany.
MHNSF Pty Ltd T/A Spring Forward Family Centre is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The post Making Mindful Children: How mindfulness can benefit your child first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
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