It's hard to believe we are halfway through the term already!

I know in my home some mid term-itist is starting to creep in. There are a number of learners across our school and Kahui experiencing increased anxiety and so I thought I would share some tips that might help. 

I was disappointed Covid-19 once again caused the postponement of the Kahui Ako Anxiety presentation. This would have been very valuable, especially in the current climate. Instead I shall share some things I have learned along the way, so grab your Fanta and a comfy chair as it's a bit longer tonight.  

I've been doing a psychology based university paper this year called 'Introduction to Interventions'. My lecturer, Christ's College Psychologist Sarah Anticich, continually emphasises the importance of mindfulness and making this a regular and normal part of the day. She also encourages us as adults to actively model Emotional Regulation. 

Verbalising things like- I'm feeling stressed, I need to go for a walk. Or Things didn't go so well at work today, I just need a few minutes to calm my brain, or other examples will help to normalise 'Emotional Regulation' and assist children learn to do what many adults just do naturally.  Explicit teaching, modelling and practicing of Mindfulness and self soothing strategies when children are in the 'green zone' is extremely valuable. A child is unable to implement a strategy they hardly know when they are in a heightened state of anxiety. Examples of these are Body scan and tummy breathing.

It is really important to actively do this on a day to day basis and when your child is calm. By practicing Mindfulness when they are calm they are creating new neural pathways which will be easier to access when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. The Feel Brave series is another great resource. I especially like The Wolf and the Baby Dragon, in which Wolfgang's friends help him to carry his worries. I have the hard copies if you would like to borrow them.

Discussions around Brain Function can be useful to help your child understand what is happening in their body when their anxiety is heightened. This is discussed in the Hey Warrior and Hey Awesome books which I have if you would like to borrow. It is also explained in this youtube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xeDcPBD5Fk .

Well I imagine you need to refill your Fanta about now, so I shall wrap it up here for this week. I'm happy to discuss ideas further if you feel your child needs further support in this area.

Watch out for my next edition, there'll be a few more tips on this topic, in particular around positive self talk, thoughts vs facts and the use of visual timetables to establish routines.