I remember my Mom saying that no matter what kind of meltdown the kids are having, water solves everything. In my 10 years of parenting (I know it’s not much yet but give me a bit of street cred. I’ve so far survived sleepless nights, potty training, teething, first days of school, and homework frustrations.) I have found this to be true.
If a child is grumpy give them bubbles or stick them in water. It is a no-fail trick in our house.
It can be a lot of water such as a lake when we’re camping, a pool day, or a walk by the river. It can be a little bit of water like a bathtub, playing in the sink and “washing” all their toy cars, or running through a sprinkler.
No matter what the water is; a bit of water will help distract and calm anyone. It is where we have had our best conversations, it tires them out making bedtimes easier and more relaxing and there is just something tranquil and calming about being near it. It allows for quiet.
And then there are the bubbles.
Enough said. You don’t even need actual bubbles to calm down a child. You can just try to say it together. I promise after trying three times you will both be giggling again.
If you actually have bubbles on hand blowing the bubbles is a great way to take deep breaths. This is especially useful if you have younger kids. Trying to explain to them deep breaths is hard but if you tell a three year old to blow bubbles, chances are they will happily do it.
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Deanne Ferguson is the owner of Box Social Event Planning. When she is not planning fun, family, friendly events she is finding the yummiest food for the Edmonton Home and Garden Show Food Stage. She loves her #cocktailsMonday dates with her husband and chasing around her two boys. You can find her at @DeanneFerguson on Instagram and @BoxSocialYEG on Twitter