How to support kids struggling with missing school

Kids are living an unusual childhood missing a key element of growing up - social interaction. In these remote schooling days, children without siblings are hit hardest, versus their counterparts with a sibling to play with. Many children experience anger outbursts and communication issues at home. Emotions store as energy in the body, and these kids need sensory stimulation and activities to burn off this excess energy to feel calmer and more grounded.

3 things to do to help cheer these kiddos on…

1. Get them moving! Exercise exercise exercise. This is the best way to release trapped energy in the body and regulate those emotions of frustration, sadness, anger. Get them jumping on the trampoline, play Simon Says games, walks in the neighbourhood, or go for bicycle rides outdoors.

2. Play soothing music. Calm their senses with ambient melodies playing in the background to focus while they do homework, and to wind down before bed. Explore different sounds at different times of the day, between classical music, white noise, alpha waves, and nature sounds, there is plenty to choose from.

3. Use an emotions chart. Labelling emotions helps kids separate themselves from the emotion and regain control over their decisions. They have an easier time showing you their feelings through action, and pointing to a face on a chart is one way to help them open up.

We hope this helps you get through current school changes, know that this will not last forever, sending big hugs.