A study published in the JAMA Network on Pediatric research, dated December 12, 2022, found that mobile devices for calming children ages 0-5 decreased executive functioning and increased emotional reactivity (particularly with boys ages 3-5 and keiki with higher tempermental surgency).
There are many apps and resources, many that are free that can teach and coach self-regulation, just be sure that they are age and developmentally appropriate. There are many calming activities that we can do with our keiki. In our "Mindfulness Minute" series (last month) we provided various tips that one can do with their preschool-aged child. What I highly recommend is that we always instruct our children when they are in the, "green" or "calm" state. "Practice makes perfect" so if we are practicing breathing exercises, or body hugs, we can first model the activity, but also practice with your child when they are ready to receive the directions and calmly provide (and model) the exercise when they are in the "yellow" stage.
To restore calm, I mentioned breathing exercises and body hugs- do you have any suggestions for preschool-aged children?
Mālama,
Danny
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