Another way to spend closer time with your child is to take five minutes and slowly give your child a bck rub/massagte after he or she gets into bed.  You can use this time to teach your child to breathe in and out more slowly,out all the yucky feelings of the day and breathe in quiet, calming. peaceful energy to help him or her fall asleep.   more »

One of the ways you can get closer to your child emotionally is to sit down with some hand lotion.  Let your child know this is some quiet time for the two of you to spend together,  take slower, deeper breaths and slowly massage your child's hands.  When you're througth, ask your child if he or she wouod like to practice massaging your hands.  Accept whatever answer you'r given.   more »

Another positive nurturing activity involves taking turns brushing or combing each other's hair.  Whilr the parent combs the child's hair, make some positive comments about the hair, the head, etc.   more »

You can pick any Wiggles song and dance with your child.  If the child is older, put on a tune that's upbeat and positive.  End the dance, holding hands, then fall on the floor and cuddle.  The end of the activity is the nurturing part.   more »

Pick a quiet time to sit down with your child and put lotion on his or her fingers and toes, rubbing it in gently and slowly.  You can talk about how special the toes and fingers are; they belong to your child.  As you rub the lotion in, comment on how you're applying lotion to the fingers and toes and the child is still The name of your child.  This helps the child develop a stronger sense of self.  Have fun!   more »

Nurturing activities are designed for the parent to help the child feel safe and secure.  They reassure the child that the adult can provide comfort and stability, meeting the child's need for comfort, regardless of the age.  If you have an older child that gets upset and regresses to a younger age emotionally, your child is letting you know he or she needs some reassurance you still love him or her, even when they act out.  These activities help the child to relax and also helps to strengthen the feeling that the child is lovable and valued.

Nurturing acitivities, which will be discussed in the following blog entries, focus on the special qualities of the child.  They include physical touch given in a positive, calming way.  They allow a child to feel comfortable at his or her emotional age.  If your ten year old child has been acting like a ...   more »