Family Social-Emotional Wellbeing
It is important for children to feel safe to be vulnerable with adults in their lives. As caregivers, we want our children to confide in us, so we can help guide them through all of life’s challenges. Children may suppress how they are feeling due to a fear of feeling misunderstood or judged, not possessing proper coping strategies, or being unsure of which adult they can trust to help them. As a licensed social worker, I want to help caregivers foster a home environment that will help children feel more comfortable to share all their thoughts and feelings, even unpleasant ones. I have compiled a list of a few simple activities that can promote self-expression, encourage family connections, and ultimately boost your child’s social and emotional wellbeing.
Rose & Thorn Game
This is a simple game that will provide you insight into your child’s day. You can introduce the game by explaining that the rose of the day is something that went well or something your child is proud of. The thorn is an event, encounter, or activity that did not go as expected and caused your child to feel any uncomfortable emotions. This game can help you gauge what events get your child excited and feeling confident, while also highlighting what they may be struggling with. Find a time in your day, such as family dinner, car rides home from soccer practice, or before their nighttime routine to play this quick, yet insightful game. Don’t forget to also share your rose and thorn of the day!
Expressing Gratitude
Expressing gratitude does not have to wait until the fourth week in November. Noticing the good things that are going on in our lives, can develop a positive mindset, increase mood, and help nurture empathy for others. When you express gratitude for the things you appreciate (i.e. people, places, items) you are practicing a growth mindset. A growth mindset helps us embrace challenges and promotes resilience when we are faced with adversity.
This exercise is fast and easy, while also having huge benefits for our emotional well-being. A great time to express gratitude is right before going to sleep because it will have a natural calming effect. To get started, you can model for your children how it works. First, you will take a deep breath in and think about what you are thankful for, followed by an exhale. I encourage my clients to visualize what they are thankful for on the breath in and visualize any negatively they are holding onto on the exhale. After you and your child have both thought about what you are grateful for, you can share out loud and can discuss further.
Co-Regulation
Our children learn from everything we do, this includes how we regulate our emotions. Everyone is entitled to their full range of emotions, but paying attention to how we react to those emotions can have a big impact on our children. If every time you get mad or frustrated, you begin to yell, why are you expecting your children to be any different? Instead, try to label how you are feeling in the moment and model a coping strategy. For example, “I feel frustrated that we are in traffic right now.” Then model how you react to this frustration. Maybe you take one large deep breath or maybe you begin to play a game to distract you and the family from the traffic. Instead of blaming others for the traffic, showing excessive frustration, or complaining about a situation that is out of your control, you are showing your children how to cope when things don’t go your way. Believe me, your kids are watching and taking note.
Family Movement
Moving your body is a great way to get your endorphins flowing, which will naturally increase your mood. Encourage your children to accompany you in a movement break whether it be practicing yoga poses, walking around the block or taking a quick bike ride to the nearest park. Movement increases our mood, decreases screen time, and encourages engagement within your family. This time together is a great opportunity to escape the overstimulation we all experience throughout the day. Depending on the age of your children, this may be a good time to play a simple eye spy game or 21 questions to figure out a person, place, or thing your child is thinking of. These interactions will further strengthen your relationship, instill healthy exercise habits, and of course, help give your child a break from monotony or over stimuli.
Empowering the Whole Family
These are four simple activities that will empower you and your children to be more aware of the emotions you are experiencing. Focusing on social and emotional well-being at home can boost a child’s self-esteem, self-regulation skills, and overall mental health. I urge you to try incorporating some of these ideas into your daily routine. Your child will feel heard, learn new coping strategies, and recognize you are a trusting adult who can help guide them through life’s challenges. If you or your child need additional support at home, I encourage you to contact me at B&B Well Counseling. I am a skilled child’s therapist who would love to help you and your family.
About the Author
Megan Ryan, LMSW
Helping people manage their anxiety is a specialty of Megan’s and she is passionate about working with parents, children, and the neurodiverse community.
