Dear StrongStart friends,

The times we are living in are both challenging and scary. Our lives have changed so much. We all are experiencing so many emotions, adults and children too. We all feel at times scared, stressed, alone or needing some space, frustrated. Sometimes sharing our feelings with someone helps, brings us release, sometimes a good cry is what we need or a warm hug.

You might remember how in StrongStart we were teaching our children when feeling strong emotions to acknowledge them by naming them (” You feel… angry or sad…)  and ask them take deep breath, we offer a hug. Now, I need to remind myself to do it many times during the day.

Let us do it together: Let us take a deep breath in. Slowly, deeply! Fill your lungs with air. Then pause. Take a deep, long  breath out. Do it together with your child, all of your children. You will be giving them a life long gift – knowing how to manage strong emotions. They will be grateful to you!

To give love to your child you need to be kind to yourself too. We all need to look for ways to comfort ourselves, do something that brings us smile, joy and light! Small or big. For me, it is looking through the window, seeing blue skies, re-connecting with nature, feeling the breeze,  getting a hug or sitting with no phone or any other gadget,  just a coffee in my hand.

Take care, we are all in this together!

Ms. Lillian

Click here for a video of our song about emotions to share with your child.