The Nervous System Ninja: Helping Your Kids Chill Out

Hey there, parents!

It’s Nicola McCay, back with another superpower-filled blog to help you and your mini-me’s navigate the wacky world of emotions, anxiety, and stress.

The Nervous System: It’s like a Wild Ride

Imagine your nervous system as a busy amusement park 🎢. There’s this rollercoaster of emotions, spinning teacups of anxiety, and a Ferris wheel of feelings that keeps going up and down, up and down! It’s exhausting, right? But, with some simple strategies, you can become the park manager, helping your little ones chill out and have a fun-filled day 🌞.

Regulating the Nervous System: The Magic 5

In my NLP4Kids workshops, we dive into the amazing world of regulation. It’s all about giving your kiddo a superpower tool to control their body’s response to stress, anxiety, and excitement. Here are the top 5 ways to regulate that nervous system:

1. Breathing: The Chill Pill 🌿

Teach your child to breathe deep, belly-filling breaths. It’s like blowing bubbles, but instead of bubbles, you get a calm tummy and a relaxed body 🤯. Encourage them to breathe in for a count of 4, hold for 2, and breathe out for 6. Easy peasy, breezy!

2. Grounding: The Magic of 5 Senses 🌈

Help your child focus on their 5 senses to ground themselves in the present moment. Ask them to: – Touch something soft and squishy (like a stuffed animal or a stress ball 💖) – Smell something yummy (like freshly baked cookies or a favorite perfume 🔥) – Listen to a soothing sound (like rain, ocean waves, or a favorite song 🎵) – See a calming image (like a peaceful landscape or a funny meme 😂) – Taste something comforting (like a favorite snack or a warm cup of tea ☕️)

3. Movement: The Energy Release 💃

Encourage your child to get those endorphins pumping with some fun movements! Dance it out, twirl around, jump on a trampoline, or simply wiggle those toes 😂. Exercise can help release pent-up energy and calm the nervous system.

4. Self-Kindness: The Loving Companion ❤️

Teach your child the importance of self-kindness and self-compassion. Remind them that everyone gets stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed – even superheroes! 🦸‍♀️ Encourage them to offer themselves kindness, patience, and understanding, just like they would to a good friend.

5. Sleepytime Strategies: The Sweet Slumber Squad 🛏️

Help your little one wind down and prepare for a peaceful night’s sleep with these calming pre-bedtime rituals:

– Dim the lights and snuggle up with a good book or a soothing video 📖

– Practice gentle stretches or a relaxing yoga pose 🧘‍♀️

– Enjoy a warm bath or a gentle massage 🛀

– Listen to calming music or nature sounds 🎵

The Final Word: You Got This! 😊

As the Nervous System Ninja, you’ve got the power to help your kiddo navigate the world of emotions, anxiety, and stress. Remember, it’s all about being patient, understanding, and loving. With these simple strategies, your child will become a pro at regulating their nervous system and living a happy, healthy life. Happy regulating, and don’t forget to breathe, smile, and be you! 🌈

Written By: Nicola McCay – NLP4Kids Practitioner

Email: Nicola@NLP4Kids.org

Tel: (+44)07879 601659 or (+353) 0873 7070433