Wellbeing News
The countdown to the end of term is well and truly on!
As we navigate the end of term, we tend to find ourselves navigating the emotions of tired children. This can be difficult to manage when you yourself are tired and limping to the Christmas break. Emotions are running high and things that our students may have easily let go a few weeks ago, now are often resulting in tears.
Everyone feels sad, cranky, scared, or stressed from time to time. Big emotions are simply unavoidable in our day to day life, so we all need effective strategies for dealing with them.
Regulating big emotions
When those big emotions strike, holding together our regular routines and implementing some simple strategies can assist us all at this time of year.
1. Be Intentional
Consider your timing when you make simple requests of students at this time of year. Is it the right time to complete your homework or finish your chores? What can be moved to tomorrow morning? Provide a reminder of change in the routine. These tiny changes can have big repercussions when children are feeling tired.
2. Remember that emotions are contagious
When our children are feeling chaotic, there’s two ways we can go; we can catch their cranky and join them in an escalating cycle of chaos, or we can stay calm. Easier said than done, but realistically we can’t help anybody if we can’t help ourselves first. Wedo our best to hold it together.
3. Don’t try to fix things in the moment
When children are feeling these big emotions, give them time to calm down. Direct them to get some water, read a book, or practice some mindfulness. Those important conversations can take place, when children (and adults!) are in a calmer frame of mind.
4. Focus on connection or space
Some kids want a hug when they’re feeling mad. Other kids want space. Most of the time, they want space first, then connection. If it’s possible, move your child to a private area. Say to them, “I can see you’re having a tough time. Do you want a hug or do you want me to give you some space?” They’ll probably tell you to go away. Give them some space, but let them know that you’ll be just around the corner ready to give them a hug when they’re ready. Then once they’re regulated again you can move onto problem solving.
Remember first and foremost be kind to yourself and the children. Everybody is doing the best they can as they navigate their day to day routines, a little more tired than they were last week.
As always, if you require any additional support for your family, please reach out to us.
Rianne Coldebella
Student Wellbeing
rcoldebella@sjelst.catholic.edu.au