- May 15, 2024
The SECRET Formula for a Calmer Home
- Sue Welby
- Behaviour
- 0 comments
The ultimate parenting TREATS that are about to bring a whole new level of CALM to your home.
Sorry it's not treats you can eat.
Do you want a home where you have MORE calm, children’s behaviours flow smoother, and connections are more enjoyable?
Yes ??
Well, it's all about mastering the art of "TREATS", an acronym I learnt during my Infant massage training.
It’s about to become your secret weapon.
So what does TREATS stand for?
T is for Touching and Holding.
Who's up for some snuggle time?
Touching and holding your little ones isn't just cozy, it's a superpower for connection.
Those warm hugs, bedtime cuddles, and high-fives, even a brief touch as you walk past your child playing (something I share with my families called emotional surprises.)
Touch creates a sense of security and love that your children carry with them.
In a world that's sometimes a bit chaotic, these simple gestures are like little anchors, reminding them they're safe and cherished.
Connecting through physical touch can improve infants sleep, their digestive system, their overall wellbeing and build confidence.
See their skin as "the brain on the outside" , which allows us to communicate directly through touch. Powerful. :)
R is for Reading and Responding to Cues
Get ready to unleash your inner detective.
Babies and children are like tiny detectives themselves, dropping hints about how they feel.
Your job is to become a pro at reading those cues.
Is your toddler rubbing their eyes? It could be a sleepy cue or it could be a bored cue and changing the room may be what is needed.
Is your child sighing after nursery or school? Maybe they need to unwind or offload a scene that happened.
But we don't just want to look for the cues.
We want to find the good in them.
Share with them what you see and hear as this is a sure way to boost that self-esteem and confidence.
"I love the way you waited at the top of the slide for Chloe to find her courage to go down."
We are being really specific here.
really watching these cues and responding thoughtfully, you're sending a loud and clear message-
“I'm here for you, I notice you.”
"I'm here for you, no matter what"
Unconditional love ,what I talk about with my sleep talk families.
If you want to find out more about this magical 2 minute method, check out my you tube video about why I choose to train in the Goulding sleep talk method.
E is for Eye Contact
A magical gaze that says, "You are the centre of my world."
Yes, that's the power of eye contact.
When you look into your child's eyes, you're showing them that you're fully present.
It's a little moment that holds so much meaning.
Whether they're babbling about their day or showing off their art skills, those locked eyes are saying,
"I value you and what you are saying."
Even if you can’t do what your child wants you to do in that moment, just turn and give eye contact ,
“Mummy hears you want me to play cars, I am making dinner now, I will come join you after.”
Sometimes that brief eye contact is enough for your child to feel really heard and seen :)
Give them eye to eye contact and your brain waves can fall into sync and you will both relax and connect deeply.
A is for Affect and Animation
Ever heard the phrase "bringing life to the party"?
I want to tell you, you're the party, and your affect and animation are the stars of the show.
The excitement in your voice, the twinkle in your eye – these little things make conversations and interactions feel like a delightful game with your child.
You're not just talking, you're dancing in the rhythm of their world, making every moment an adventure.
I am busy creating a video all about playful interactions to give parents quick ideas to help them get more cooperation with their little ones.
Join my email list below so you don't miss it when its released to my subscribers with a special offer.
Children’s whole purpose every day is to play ,learn and explore.
Show you are a part of that through your animated body language.
T is for Timing
Timing is everything, when it comes to parenting.
Whether it's picking the right time to crack a joke during a tense moment or discussing something important when they're most receptive.
If YOU can nail the timing it can turn ordinary interactions into magic moments.
It can reduce meltdowns if we observe and pick our moments early enough.
Your child may be starting to show signs of frustration or irritability so step in early before those emotions escalate and take over their body.
Maybe it's redirecting their attention, putting them in charge of something is a fantastic one to engage their brain.
Or offering a comforting hug, or engaging them in a calming activity.
This early intervention prevents minor issues from snowballing into major conflicts.
For more strategies for a calmer household check out my 4 week recorded behaviour course full of resources.
Watch as many times as you want.
By addressing their feelings and needs promptly, you're showing them that their emotions matter and that you're there to support them.
It's like catching a tiny spark before it sets the whole forest on fire.
See timing as a way to tap into your child's universe so your words and actions resonate in the best possible way with your unique child.
S is for Sounds
Time to get creative with your vocal chords.
The way you speak – the tone, the pitch, the words you choose ,
( this last one is a game changer in my professional opinion. )
I know families who have tweaked a few words and hey presto a more co-operative child – all of it matters.
Imagine a soothing lullaby or a playful "Guess what?"
Children are like little sound detectors, and your voice is their comfort zone.
This is a great tip I share with parents , when their baby/toddler is crying try and put words to their crying.
" You are saying you didn't want to lay down for a nappy change .I know you were enjoying the cuddles."
This can help calm our babies but it can also stop us parents from feeling anxious and getting triggered by their crying.
So, sing, whisper secrets, and let your words be the symphony that brings harmony to your home.
I love the idea of having a secret code with your little ones if they need your help whilst having a playdate.
It’s one of my tips in my new booklet coming soon all about creating more peaceful play dates.
TREATS
Hope you enjoyed reading about my TREATS that will help take your parenting game to a whole new level.
Remember, it's not about being perfect; it's about being present and intentional.
As you sprinkle these TREATS into your daily interactions, you'll be amazed at the calm and joy that start blooming in your home.
Here's to TREATing yourself and your children to a life full of love, laughter, and sweet connections.