Quick Ways to Prevent a Parental Meltdown

What helps you keep your cool when parenting times get hot?⁠ ⁠

The first key is to NOTICE when you're on the verge. (That gets easier with practice.)⁠ ⁠ The second key is to find a few go-to practices that help you recenter yourself in the moment. Pick what works for YOU and your own personal nervous system! ⁠ ⁠Here are a few ideas to try:⁠ ⁠

💙 Practice slow breathing⁠ - longer exhales can help with calming.⁠ ⁠

💙 Drink some water⁠ - the temperature and taste can help bring you back from the brink (and hydrating is also a good idea).⁠ ⁠

💙 Squeeze your toes⁠ - dig your heels into the ground and feel the earth supporting you.⁠ ⁠

💙 Brush your teeth⁠ - a burst of mint can bring you to your senses and help you change gears.⁠ ⁠

💙 Step outside⁠ - ahh, nothing like nature to recenter. Take a look at the clouds, feel the breeze.⁠ ⁠

💙 Name the feeling⁠ - when we can see the feeling, we don't have to be it. ⁠ ⁠

💙 Place your hand on your heart⁠ - feel the warmth of your hand and the soothing sense of being gentle with yourself.⁠ ⁠

💙 Crunch some ice⁠ - run cold water on your hands, place an ice pack on the back of your neck, or chew ice.⁠ ⁠

💙 Try a somatic hold - place one hand on your forehead, the other behind your head and hold gently - linger for a bit and notice if you feel a shift.⁠ ⁠ ⁠