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When you feel blah. . . .
http://goodhealthinanutshell.com/2011/11/08/when-you-feel-blah-time-management-2-of-5-good-
health-in-a-nutshell/
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Just about this time of year we're all feeling house-bound, craving the sunshine and needing
something different. If we, who are adults and have learned certain coping skills feel this way,
think how hard it is for the children who have not yet learned how to cope...and they don't even
know why they're feeling so Blah! As the adults in their lives, we need to be aware of what is going
on with them and help.
We do this by identifying what their feelings are, what the resultant behavior is, giving them the
appropriate words to label what is going on, and providing resolutions. Our assistance will depend
on the children's ages and abilities. Those who attend school regularly will have different needs
than those children who are with you or their caregiver all day. Children whose days are highly
structured will need some down time. If they've not had opportunities for physical activities, we
need to make sure they get moving. It can be a walk with you in the snow, playing in the backyard,
telling silly jokes for belly-laughs, going to an indoor pool, etc.
Those children who have had some activity with sports or other after school activities might need
some time with no demands. Reading a book in a quiet place, limited TV or computer time, or
even helping with dinner preparations can provide a time to relax their bodies and minds. Coming
right home to complete homework, without any down time, can create additional stress or feelings
of depression.
An afternoon/evening routine that includes a change from the daily activities can still result in a
disciplined home, but one that honors the children's needs during the Blah season. Toddlers and
preschoolers need a routine day that includes regular rest and feeding times, times of activity and
quiet play. Routine is most comforting to children of this age, but they do need simple changes
that can redirect boredom. Do simple things like moving activities usually done in one place to
another, like reading in a different place occasionally. Instead of eating in a high chair, prepare
another safe place to enjoy a meal.
Preschoolers love picnics on the floor and are usually anxious to participate in the preparations.
Baking cookies and visiting a shut-in can serve several purposes: baking takes time and one in
which young children can participate, preparing to visit someone can help the children develop
planning skills, it gets the adults out of the house, and visiting a shut-in brings such joy to
someone who can really be feeling the winter blahs and can teach children sensitivity, generosity
and other wonderful qualities that result in a responsible adults. Somehow when we help our
children deal with their blahs, we don't feel ours in quite the same way.
2. Practicing psychology for 34 years, being married and having children and grandchildren have all
taught me a lot about life. With a wealth of life experiences, I believe that I can offer ideas to help
others live life more fully, more enjoyably, and with greater satisfaction.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Harvan
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When you feel blah. . . .
http://goodhealthinanutshell.com/2011/11/08/when-you-feel-blah-time-management-2-of-5-good-
health-in-a-nutshell/
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