Mindfulness

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Why It’s Important to Show Children Your Grownup Emotions—Especially Now

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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.

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The Power of Bubbles (and How They Help Little Ones Handle Change) 

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What is it about bubbles?

Something about them makes us want to stop, stare, marvel, pop, and play—whether we’re two, 12, or 60.

One thing that makes bubbles so special is the fact that they’re temporary—they float through their course before they pop and vanish. At Chicago Children’s Museum, we believe there’s a powerful lesson there—for our littles, and for us.

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Glitter Jars: Your New Parenting BFF

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Stress, especially in the time of COVID-19, is incredibly challenging to understand, and even harder to manage—which is why Lead Art Educator Liz Rosenberg has created this week’s incredible at home activity: Glitter Jars.

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Growing Gratitude

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Whether it’s for an aunt or the next-door neighbor, parent, or community helper—take time to create a thank you card or sign for healthcare providers, mail carriers, grocery store employees, or anyone else deserving of gratitude, inside or outside of your household. Your kids will work on their literacy and creative skills, plus you’ll be teaching them the power of gratitude.

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At Home Activity: Mindfulness for Kids

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What comes to mind when you think of mindfulness? This much-talked-about coping strategy can conjure up images of quiet meditation or solitary thought exercises—often practiced by grownups.

However, mindfulness is also a powerful way for children to calm their anxieties and accept the present moment. And while silent meditation and breathing are definitely ways to practice mindfulness, there are also ways to bring play into your mindfulness activities—for grownups and little ones.