Lately, we’re feeling all the feelings. There’s nothing like a global pandemic to bring out all kinds of emotions—the anxiety of not knowing what’s coming, the sadness of missing our loved ones, the irritability that comes from staying home with our families all the time—and emotions are tricky, complicated things. Add in our kiddos, and it feels more like a constant struggle.
Parents and caregivers: We see you. This is a tough time to say the least, and we’re all struggling to figure out the best ways to handle our emotions—especially around the children in our lives.
We’re here to tell you: It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling, and to show it. In fact, it’s actually awesome for the little ones in your life to see an adult express emotion.
So throw on some mellow, relaxing quartet music (because who doesn’t need it about now), and read our thoughts on grownup emotions and little ones.
To Do: Chicago Children’s Museum At Home Activities & Resources
Breath Painting! Use your breath to create one-of-a-kind works of art (and practice breathing skills while you’re at it).
Brush up on your mindfulness techniques, and how to teach mindfulness to your children.
Remember: Laughter is the best medicine!
To Explore: CCM Friends & Family Content
Check out our friends at Mindfulness Practices. They offer extensive and engaging programming for school districts, such as student social-emotional learning programs, teacher professional development SEL workshops, after-school student programs and recess solutions
Tune in to “Riding the Crisis Roller Coaster: Positioning Yourself Emotionally Amidst Volatility,” a virtual event from the Family Action Network (FAN) featuring Dr. Koehn, one of the most compelling speakers on the topic of crisis leadership. She will talk about the emotional challenges and possibilities of the crisis, the critical importance of tending to our emotions as well as our physical health during this moment, and a series of easily accessible tools and behaviors we can each use to be more resilient, connected, empathic, empowered, disciplined, and sure-footed.
Check out these Chicago Children’s Museum approved tips, tricks, and tools to incorporate in your daily lives:
Back To School Social-Emotional Basics: Relationship, Rhythm, Release
Teaching Feelings and Emotions: 30+ Best Resources to Use with Kids
To Read: Additional Resources for Parents & Caregivers:
We comb the internet so you don’t have to! Here are some Chicago Children’s Museum-vetted resources about the power of showing your littles your emotions.
Why It’s Important for Parents to Show Their True Feelings
Babies Sense Parents’ Emotions to Help Understand Their World
Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Children—and You—Thrive
Teaching Children Healthy Ways to Express Feelings
Helping kids identify and express feelings
How to Teach Kids to Value and Accept Feelings
The Importance of Showing Empathy to Kids Who Learn and Think Differently
The Benefits of Emotional Intelligence