EVERYTHING CHILDREN DO AND SAY IS COMMUNICATION
In order to HEAR what children are communicating we need to OBSERVE. When we stop to do just that, it opens the doors for us to STAY CURIOUS and ASSUME THEIR BEST INTENTIONS. Yesterday I had planned an afternoon of crafting with the girls. Some challenges with the crafts arose for my 5 year old and she kept having the same reaction - on the floor, screaming, crying, and kicking. Tantrums used to be pretty ordinary for her but not these days. Taking time to SEE her allowed something to click for me... Did you have a hard day at school? (Nodding) Was your regular teacher away?? (Nodding) Did that mean you missed Centers??? And the whole story came tumbling out. After that, she was ready to return to crafting and any challenges that came up - she handled them.
Now, I'd like to break this down for you - some challenges came up for her at school yesterday that felt too big. Because children live in the present that meant ALL challenges that came her way were now unmanageable. She DID miss out on Centers and for this girl that is a BIG problem. It's the time and place she uses to work through her biggest challenge ➡ being away from Mama! Centers is at the end of the day so she knows she'll get to see me soon. It's also the time where she can draw me a picture and share her love for me when I'm not with her. Using Language of Listening® turned tantrums into insights about my little girl's big challenges. They led us to deeper communication and allowed me to support her through her difficulties. And I'm SO GRATEFUL!
Now how in the heck did I know all these things about my kid and be able to employ them to deal so smoothly with this tantrum?? It is all thanks to insights gained through Language of Listening® Power Play Times! These are half hour play times you engage in with your child to gain insights and help them work through their challenges. They help you practice Language of Listening® tools just half an hour a week through being present with your child through therapeutic play and they open your MIND and HEART to what life is like for your child.
Want to learn more about Power Play Time? Drop me a line and I'll be happy to tell you more!