Relaxation techniques for Traumatised Children
Hello again and welcome to the latest Estuary Centre blog!
Supporting children to self-regulate when experiencing heightened affect, whether excitement, distress, agitation, anger or arousal, can be a challenge for parents and carers.
Self-regulatory ability can be particularly impacted by poor early attachment experiences, neglect and abuse.
With this in mind The Estuary Centre provides a range of programmes and training to young people and carers, supporting improved mentalization and relaxation through mindfulness techniques and healthy self-soothing strategies.
We have provided mindfulness programmes to various age groups, including adolescent young men whom after initial resistance have been able utilize taught techniques to help them relax and de-stress in various areas of their lives.
Some tips to help children relax are below:
- Deep breathing
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Exercise
- Visualisation
- Laugh
- Stretch
- Listen to music
- Meditate
- Cuddle a pet
- Toe tensing
Find out more at:
http://stress.lovetoknow.com/Top_Ten_Relaxation_Techniques_Children
The links below also provide some ideas that might be helpful in supporting young people to calm.
http://www.andnextcomesl.com/2017/07/calm-down-strategies-for-kids.html
http://leftbrainbuddha.com/10-ways-teach-mindfulness-to-kids/
I hope these sites are helpful to you and please do contact the centre if you would like further information into the mindfulness groups and training we provide.