Monday, December 29, 2008
n. Create a relaxing place (create context and conditioning for relaxation).
n. Create a relaxing place (create context and conditioning for relaxation). Classical Conditioning, is incredibly powerful. Simply stated, it tells us that we develop certain responses to certain cues or stimuli. If a particular area is always used for story time, or for sleep, or for another activity and there are consistent stimuli in association with that place. It will be easier to get into that activity. For example if you have a routine before going to bed, that happens at the same time and in the same place every evening and if that routine is relaxing, it will be easier to fall asleep. (There is more to good sleep hygiene than just this; however, it is an important piece.) If you have a place where you always go to relax and there are relaxing sounds and smells that are always in that place, that place will make it easier for you to relax. If you want to teach children to relax and its ok for them to fall asleep, doing it in the same place with the same relaxing music smells and story, with no distractions, will make it easier as long as that is the only activity done in that location. If you do not have a different and seperate place available, change as many stimuli as possible and make them unique for relaxation. For example, in your living room with the lights off or down low and certain music and even a particular scent.
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Do you have any suggestions on how to create a relaxing environment for toddlers? I have 2 kids who love to run and play, but relaxing does not seem to come naturally to them. If I need them to relax, I will put on a video, but I don't like them to watch TV. Any suggestions?
Assure a consistent routine. Do step down activities, such as running and playing and then some short exercises that are done together and then step down to story time and then to a relaxing time. Use different types of music for different activities with more relaxing music consistently associated with relaxing activities. Use the bubble blowing activity. Schedule relaxing activities after natural times to relax, such as after eating a meal.
CR Petersen
this is also good for following a routine. Every night before bed i bath my children, rub lotion on the, put them in clean jammies, and read to them and pray with them. The few nights where it hasn't happened i have noticed they aren't as well rested in the mornings and tend to be a lot more cranky throughout the day
Katie Bowman
Having a different place for the activitiesn is important. Having them sleep where they play isn't a good idea, it will be harder to relax and fall asleep.
At our preschool, they play the same classical music for nap time, but it is on full volume!! I think it is stupid having it so loud, and some of the children have said its too loud. I have tried turning down the music, only to be 'told off'. When the director was filling in, I mentioned it to her and she asked what I suggest, I said to turn it down. She said that she didn't see anyone complaining, and that it had always been that way. I was later 'spoken to'. I still think it is too loud!
When I listen to music that is calming and quiet, it improves my physiological state by slowing my heart rate and decreasing all those stress related hormones. Of course, different settings call for different genres of music. When in the gym or physical education class, music that is upbeat can increase the heart rate and overall aerobic endurance, which most of the time is wanted and sought after. LP
I dont have a huge home but we do leave our bedrooms for sleeping a clothes (and homework for my 6 year old). They do have some toys in there but most of them are in the playroom.
I like to relax with a nice interesting book to read. I think it helps so you can be ready to sleep better. I sometimes fall asleep while reading a book in bed.
I have a grandson who has autism. He can understand what you say but not talk much. He is on a high most the day, and about runs is mom ragged. She puts movies on and that calms him for awhile then he is off to something else, into things or running off. Any ideas to help?
Sharon, there are a lot of resources here: http://parentautismresources.blogspot.com/
I work at a smaller daycare, so free play, class time, reading time, nap time, and some times even lunch all happens in the same room. How can I make each of these environments differ from one another, so that although during some points in the day it can be a fast paced environment, I can help in transition into a relaxing space for reading and nap time?
There are lots of ways to make an environment different. Music, lighting, décor (easy things that can be changed quickly and easily), furnishings that can be changed quickly and easily, even smells.
Creating a relaxing place at a daycare is not an easy task. Sometimes a few minutes of "catching a bubble" in their mouths is about all we can get. Other times we can have some quiet time during reading time. Even if it's just for a little bit, I think it's important for the kids to learn to relax.
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