How often have you said to your child, "You need to calm down!" How often have you given that same child a suggestion on how to calm down? Self-calming doesn't come naturally to children. It needs to be taught.
Purchase a pump bottle of lavender scented hand and body cream. Lavender has a soothing, relaxing quality. Make a label for it that reads "Calming Cream."
When you find your child is feeling anxious or stressed put a small amount into your hands and rub it into your child's hands, arms and legs. It not only serves as a distraction from whatever is going on in the moment it's also a nurturing gesture. "Calming Cream" can even become a part of your child's bedtime routine to encourage relaxation.
Keep the bottle of "Calming Cream" in a handy location and over time your child will learn to use it when feeling the need to self-soothe. Your child might even become like Austin who, upon seeing his mother looking harried at the end of a busy day, said, "Mom! You want me to rub your hands with some calming cream?"
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