Calming Techniques for Kids – Without Using a Screen
When your kid starts to fuss, are you tempted to pull out a tablet or your phone? There’s no shame in that. It can be hard figuring what other calming techniques for kids can be used when we’re desperate and our little ones won’t stop crying or throwing tantrums at the supermarket. You can download all this information as a FREE handout at the bottom of the post.
Pulling out a tablet is often the easiest thing to do when your child starts to fuss or when you need to get stuff done. However, there are alternatives that are more effective in the long run.
You’ve probably heard recommendations about limiting screen time for children, but the context matters as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against relying exclusively on media to calm children because it may interfere with their learning how to manage their emotions on their own.
In fact, playing games and watching videos can backfire. Some studies have found that excessive screen time contributes to behavior issues, including hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulties with paying attention.
What can a parent do when kids are bored at home or about to throw a tantrum at the supermarket? Discover strategies and calming techniques for kids to help them succeed.
10 Calming Techniques for Kids (Screens Not Included)
Limiting screen time can be a tough job when you’re surrounded by devices at home and away.
Be prepared with a variety of technology-free responses that you can use as calming techniques for kids:
Show empathy. Give your child your full attention when they need to talk with you. If circumstances prevent that, let them know you want to sit down together as soon as possible. Validate their feelings even if you disapprove of their behavior.
Let them cry and express emotion. One of the best calming techniques for kids is to teach them to identify and express emotion. Teach your child that strong emotions are natural. Give them a chance to find their own solutions. They’re likely to settle down faster if you stay calm.
Arrange playdates. Solitary screen time sometimes crowds out social experiences that are essential to your child’s development. Encourage your child to hang out with friends and participate in after school activities.
Assign chores. In addition to teaching responsibility, routine tasks can be soothing. Prepare meals together or assign each child a day to vacuum. Need ideas? Check out this kids chore checklist by age.
Read books. Brain scans show that reading is associated with superior structure in white matter cells responsible for learning. Keep books around the house and use your library card.
Go outdoors. Nature and exercise both relieve stress. Take a family bicycle trip or play catch in your backyard. Need more ideas? Read about everyday outdoor activities to help with self regulation and emotional skills.
Make crafts. Expressing creativity is another way to relax. Browse online for project ideas and repurpose household materials.
Encourage mindfulness. Introduce your children to meditation and yoga. Do simple stretches and breathing exercises. Get started with mindfulness here.
Routine. The more you follow the same routine, the more your children know what to expect, the less tantrums will occur. You can create routines for any daily task you need to get done. Try using visual schedules to help little ones with routine.
Enforce bedtimes. Children engaged in excessive screen time tend to go to bed later, fall asleep slower, and get fewer hours of sleep each night, according to The National Sleep Foundation. Set a curfew for turning off electronic devices at least two hours before bedtime. Read more on how to help children to go to sleep here.
Calming Techniques for Kids – Steps to Take for Adults
Your children pay more attention to your actions than your words. Consider how your daily habits affect your children, so you can provide a positive role model. Read more about emotional regulation for adults here.
Try these strategies:
- Interact as much as possible. Your time and attention are the most valuable things you can give to your children. Plan family activities and one-on-one outings. Staying connected will help your child to feel safe and calm.
- Slow down. What are mornings like at your house? Children are more likely to cooperate when you plan for enough time to avoid rushing around.
- Design a family plan. Negotiate a media use contract for your family. Agree to basic rules for using electronic devices, so you can make technology your ally.
Nickelodeon and Super Mario can be fine in moderation. However, teaching calming techniques for kids will help them to manage their emotions and entertain themselves offline will prepare them for a healthier and happier life. Then the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, your kids will remain calm without having to use a screen.
More Resources to Help
Are you worried about the amount of screen time that children have today?
Does digital distraction have your kid’s attention and you can’t seem to get it back?
Do your kids expect you to give them constant attention, but you need to get work done?
Do you want to learn more strategies and calming techniques for kids that don’t include the use of screens?
Your Therapy Source has created this 44 page guide to help you learn how to reduce your kids’ screen time without losing your sanity.
This 44 page PDF digital document, How to Limit Screen Time for Your Kids, will be available electronically immediately following payment and it will help you get started TODAY to encourage healthy development in your children.
It is not easy to be a parent in today’s world. The day goes by and you realize that your kids have spent the better part of the day on a tablet, watching TV, or playing video games.
You don’t want them to spend that much time on screens – but it’s hard to get things done when you’re dealing with kids fighting and making messes, or kids distracting you from your other responsibilities.
If you’re working from home, the schools are closed, and your kids are home all day, this situation is especially frustrating.
It can also be discouraging when you’re confronted with anger or frustration when you tell them that screen time is over.
This ebook is an excellent solution for anyone who wants to limit their kids ’screen time but doesn’t want to lose their sanity.
Download your FREE Calming Techniques for Kids Handout Here
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