JHB West - July 2020

them what reliability looks like and sit back and smile when
they turn to you and say ‘I keep my word, like you do mom!’
4. Take time to explain
You will be surprised at how they get it! Taking the time to
explain their questions to them, at a level that is appropriate
for their age, maturity and development help them to piece
together the world that they live in. Finding the balance between
offering more information than what they are ready
for is the next challenge we face, which is why I try to answer
exactly what my son asks at that time. Should he need more
information following my explanation, after a pensive pause,
I know he will be sure to follow it up with a ‘but mom …?’.
5. Be aware
Be aware of their needs. These may be in the form of physical
contact or time together, words of encouragement and
affirmation or simply a gesture of kindness or comfort. The
simplest way to meet this need, or at least to figure out what
it is that they need, is to ask them. A simple question of ‘how
can I make this better’, ‘what can I do to fix my mistake’, ‘what
would make your heart feel better’, ‘how can I make this up
to you?’. A simple question with the potential to help them
through a difficult moment or experience, by simply being
aware of their needs, what they need for fulfilment and you,
their parent, not being afraid to fill their love tank.
Details: Pure Health Centre, 218 Voortrekker Road, Krugersdorp
on 011 954 6091/ 6981 or email purehealthcentre@gmail.com.
Create a calm down jar
Glitter jars are one way to help
relax any stressed-out children
(or adults!).
It is a great idea to use
whenever a child feels stressed,
overwhelmed or upset.
Imagine the glitter as your
thoughts. When you shake the
jar, imagine your head full of
whirling thoughts, then watch
them slowly settle while you
calm down. So, fill a clear jar
almost all the way with water.
Next, add a big spoonful of
glitter glue or glue and dry
glitter to the jar. Put the lid back
on the jar and shake it to make
the glitter swirl.
It can also be used as a ‘time
out’ timer. Simply tell your child
to watch the jar until the flakes
have all fallen – it’s only at this
point that they’ll be allowed
to leave the time out area.
Using extra glue will mean that
the glitter floats for longer, so
you can adjust the length of
the time out according to the
child’s age.
Dr Bianca De Canha
Read this! Calm: Mindfulness for Kids by
Wynne Kinder
Teach your kids how to focus their thoughts
and notice the world around them with this
fun mindfulness kids’ activity book. Mindfulness
activities are a great way to teach
children about their thoughts and feelings
and how to understand them – while having
fun at the same time. R241, Exclusive
Books
Worth the try!
When kids are seeing red,
help steer them back into their
green zone by placing one
hand on their chest and one
hand on their stomach, then
simply breathing. Kids can
practice this calming technique
before bed when they’re getting
relaxed and sleepy.
Each time the exercise is repeated,
its calming effect
is reinforced.
Mindful eating tips:
• Plan recipes and make food choices
together whenever possible. This
exposes children to the ingredients
and may help avoid pickiness.
• Include children in making food.
This teaches children valuable
cooking skills.
• At mealtime, make food the main
attraction. No phones, computers, or
TV at breakfast or dinner.
• Slow the meal down. Try serving
some foods at each meal that take
longer to eat, like soups, salads, and
cut-up fresh fruit and vegetables.
Encourage kids to savour food by
asking them to describe shape,
colour, smell, texture, and taste.
• Skip the lectures. Meals should
nourish your child’s mind and soul.
[MONTH] [YEAR] July Get 2020 It Joburg Get It Joburg West [PAGENO] West 25