Mumma Monday: 10 Tips for Tranquil Tots

Toddlers are a handful at the best of times, but life doesn't have to be a constant state of chaos or a battlefield! Here are 10 tips for tranquil tots...

1. Bath-time - Bath-time is a favorite for many little ones. Being in the water is soothing, so why not use that it for just that? Instead of toys and playtime, try creating a sanctuary for your tot as you would love to have after a long day. Candles (out of reach), some calm music playing (maybe lullabies if it is almost bedtime), a few drops of lavender essential oil in the water...lovely.

2. Fresh air - Fresh air contributes to a healthy mind, clean lungs, lowers stress levels, leads to more success in school, and a calmer constitution. Open the windows, and get out to enjoy the outside together.

3. Yoga - Whether it is a mum and tot class, DVD or your own unguided practice, invite your tot to visit you on your mat...or set up side by side. All the feel good benefits you enjoy from your practice, can be enjoyed by your tot too.

4. Connect with nature - Time spent connecting with nature reduces depression, inspires early environmentalism, encourages natural curiosity, sparks creativity, and even increases life expectancy. Whether its tending your backyard garden, watching a deer walk by while camping, or touching and exploring the bark on trees while walking in the park, find ways to get connected with nature together.

5. Massage - Think about how great you feel after a massage! Giving your little one a massage can not only relax and calm them, but also help ease digestive discomfort/gas/constipation, help them sleep more deeply, improve blood flow, and much more! 

6. Sing - Sing for, and with, your little ones. They don't care how tone deaf you may think you are, singing is fun! It has been found to reduce anger, depression and release feel good endorphins!  Sing out your favourite Raffi tunes or turn anything into a song..."this is the way we clean up our toys" to the tune of "Here we go round the mulberry bush" is a regular in our house (with whichever task needs to be encouraged).

7. Breathe together - lots of tips in my entry It all begins with a breath.

8. Exercise - Getting fresh air from a pram or a backpack is great, but make sure there is time for the kiddos to get their exercise too! Tots that are physically active, learn the routine of daily physical activity for the rest of their lives. Sport and active play build self confidence, social skills, physical wellbeing and promote a better outlook on life. All tools for not only establishing tranquil tots, but also lifelong tranquility!

9. Language - Teach your tot the words they need to describe what they are feeling.  Frustrated, angry, hurt and scared can all manifest looking very similar but require significantly different responses.  Ask questions like, "are you frustrated with this toy?" (then see tip number 7), rather than, "stop screaming!" so tots feel heard and understood.

10. Eyes on you! - Model the reactions and interactions you would like to see your tot demonstrating. If you want to teach your tot to respond calmly to frustrating situations, show them how to when they are frustrated AND when you are frustrated.  If you want to teach your child to be affectionate or gentle, to speak kindly or not to gossip, be the guide for that behaviour.

Wishing you tranquil tot years!