Families of Kids with Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Inc.

Massage – Use lavender oil, oatmeal lotion, something that has a soothing scent and quality to it. A little back rub can go a long way to calming and reconnecting with your child!
Drawing pictures or writing – Keep handy paper, crayons, pencils, markers, whatever tools your child or teen enjoys. Sometimes frustration can be taken down a notch by writing out feelings. A drawing can be made to show how the child is feeling. No rules for what goes on the paper – get the emotion and feeling out!
Water – Swimming in a pool or taking a warm bath or shower, water can be very therapeutic. A young child can be put in the bath with toys and if she enjoys it, will at least be in one spot and giving other members of the household a break (obviously, safety rules and supervision apply here depending on the child’s age).
Being outdoors – Take a walk, a run, go to a park, ride a bike, lay on a blanket and watch the clouds. Fresh air can be rejuvenating and relieve some of the pressure that can build in a home!
Read a story – A good cuddle and a good book can be just the thing! If the goal is to keep the child entertained, read the words with lots of expression! If soothing/calming is the goal, use a quiet, more even tone. If you are lucky, your child may just go to sleep!
Feeling texture – A sand box outdoors is fantastic for many children. If you do not want to go that route, a covered tub with sand (like many therapists’ offices have) can be brought out from time to time. Playing in it or just letting it run through their hands can be calming. Beans, lentils, other items can be used in lieu of sand if you use a covered tub.
Butterfly or flower garden – Yes, it’s the trendy thing to do right now in yards, but it can also be very beneficial to your child and you! Not only is it pleasing to the eye, but it can be educational. Research what kind of plants and flowers you want, depending on the purpose of your garden, and work together to build it. Add seating (a bench or chairs), a small table, some lighting (solar is easy to install), and it provides a getaway right outside your door. Our daughter loves watching the caterpillars and butterflies in our garden!
Indigo Ocean Dreams Meditation CD – I can’t say enough good things about this cd. It is so soothing and addresses things like anger, affirmation and more through ocean critters and sounds. For those with teens, they have an Indigo Ocean Teen CD. During moments of anger or frustration or as winding down for sleep, put this on and see who goes to sleep first – parent or child!
Classical music
Lighting changes – Dimmer options on light switches and lower wattage bulbs help set the “mood” of the environment to a calmer and more soothing pace.