A little preparation can avoid dealing with a child that thinks the airport screening machine is a monster eating her stroller! Yes, that was my child……

Spring is in the air! It is time to remind the children in your life to de-stress by taking a deep belly breath of fresh air. A few slow deep breaths will help you and your children shed the stress and gloomy days of winter and put a stress-free spring back into your step. Diaphragmatic breathing can help you and your children to feel happier and relaxed!

Are you traveling for spring break?

Traveling brings extra stressful situations for you and your children. Allowing more time than usual for traveling can decrease anxiety levels for the whole family. Let the kids pack something special that makes them feel secure. Guiding your child to mother or father their doll or stuffed animal can eliminate fear and ease anxiety. Let them explain to their travel buddy exactly what they will be doing during the trip. This empowers the children and eliminates the unexpected. For example, have them explain how they will wait on a long line at the airport and that they will go through a metal detector or put their stuffed animal through a screening machine. A little preparation can avoid dealing with a child that thinks the airport screening machine is a monster eating her stroller! Yes, that was my child……
Luckily we remembered to laugh. Laughter is a known stress reducer and can help many situations!

Is your family sleeping in a hotel room or unfamiliar friend’s house?

Pack your CD player and one of your favorite bedtime CDs. Bring a new CD that the children have not listened to yet. This will make bedtime seem extra special. It is worth the extra suitcase space when everyone falls asleep peacefully.

Do you need a vacation after vacation?

Remember that vacations are not all about the children. Be sure to take care of yourself and incorporate relaxation into your schedule. Let your children see you focusing on your breathing or sitting still. Say your affirmations out loud for them to hear. Play a visualization game where you tell your children what you are imagining. Take turns. You can even do this on line for a ride or restaurant. Give each other foot or hand massages. Point out how relaxed it makes you feel.

Most of all take a deep breath, let out a loud laugh and you will shake off the days of winter and put a stress-free spring back into your step!

Happy Spring from LiteBooks.net