Top 7 Tips to Teach Parents How to Calm Kids Down

Kids go through different stages in life that puzzle them, leaving them wondering how to react. Some instances trigger them to throw tantrums wherever they are, be it in school, at home, or the mall. Parents wonder how to calm kids down without enduring their tantrums.

How to calm kids down?

Children think differently when they throw tantrums. Some do it just to communicate their thoughts to their parents. However, they fail to express in a way that parents can easily understand. Follow through this list as ABC Academy shares the top 10 tips to calm kids down.

Distract with their favorite toy

Often times, parents use their children’s toys as a distraction from the current situation. Bright colorful objects take their attention away from the tantrums and direct their energy to other thoughts. This lets them think of other things and focus on the reason why their parents took them out. By thinking of another thing, it reduces the tension and the intensity of their emotions. Therefore, it allows them to communicate and understand better.

Engage in counting activities

Counting activities engage children in different ways. It infuses fun and education into something which children enjoy. They count various things – things they see, hear, touch, or feel. When they throw tantrums or become fussy when they feel sleepy, try doing a counting activity. If you are traveling, try counting cars on the road. Identify colors, like  the child’s favorite color and this may lighten their mood.

Counting moving vehicles fascinates them and they might begin imagining things. If parents have toddlers that throw tantrums during car rides, make sure to try this activity and have fun. Try talking to them after they calm down.

Find a calm nook in the house

In houses, parents can create a special place to calm themselves, especially if they feel stressed about work. A calm nook inside the house can be the kids’ playroom or the library where reading calms everyone down. This nook houses every item that gives comfort. From stuffed toys that anyone hug if they feel down, to favorite books that lift the mood.

When kids go to this nook, it reminds them to slow down and have fun. They forget the reason why they got mad. Parents benefit from the nook also. It reminds them that having arguments with a hot head results in another argument. Bringing the child to the nook helps them calm down so you can talk later.

Breathing exercises

People breathe involuntarily as the body requires it. When agitated or angry, people breathe faster and think differently as their emotions surface. Children feel the same way. When parents show children how to breathe in and out, it alleviates the tension and naturally calms them down.

When teaching breathing exercises to kids, remember to use a comfortable position that both enjoy. Refrain from practicing complicated positions that are challenging physically, emotionally, and even mentally.

Listen to instrumental music

One thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.

Bob Marley

Most people describe music as the universal language that everyone understands. Listening to different genres of music relaxes the mind and clears up emotions. Of course, avoid listening to strong genres of music which agitate emotions more. Parents need to teach about creating a playlist that calms them down. Watch out for music with explicit content.

Try listening to more classical or instrumental music to calm kids down.

Try taking a walk or a run

How to calm kids down through walking or running? Simple, just take the children out for a playdate or for a quick exercise at the park. Running around lets their emotions out, especially if they play with other kids. Physical activities calm children, especially when their brains clear out cortisol and flourishes with endorphins.

Use a calm tone of voice when speaking to them

Speaking to them in a harsh or loud tone of voice scares them more and leads to more tantrums. Conversing with a child undergoing so many emotions leads to miscommunication. Parents need to use a calmer tone whenever they talk to their kids.

Children notice quickly their tones and feel scared when parents use a different tone other than their normal voice.

Parents can try different methods in learning how to calm kids down after they throw tantrums. ABC Academy helps parents manage these tantrums in order to communicate with their children.