Calming a child can sometimes be an impossible task, and parents and teachers often feel overwhelmed. With the right techniques this work can be much easier for us.
El calm flask is inspired by the Montessori method. It is an invention that serves to reassure children in a matter of minutes, in addition to stimulating their creativity and autonomy. Sounds good right?
How does the vial of calm work?
It is still a bottle (glass or plastic) that has glitter, water, glue and dye. The technique is that when the child is stressed, in the middle of a tantrum or in a crying fit, use the bottle of calm. Through hypnotic glitter movement by shaking it, it is achieved that the child focuses on it, his heart rate and breathing relax and his agitation decreases. You can help him by instructing him to take deep breaths.
Wait for him to calm down and say: “This bottle is like you, and your emotions are like glitter. When you shake it a lot it is like when you are angry or nervous. The glitter shakes quickly like your emotions that you can't think. But if you focus on the bottle, the glitter will slow down as will your emotions, until they calm down. "
It is a effective technique used to calm children's stress and anxiety. We can also take advantage of this calm situation that it causes to be able to talk with the child in a more relaxed environment than what happened. In moments of calm it is much easier to talk about emotions.
The vial of calm is designed for children ages two to six but it is also effective for teens, even adults.
And watch out! It is not a punishment, it is a technique.
How to make a jar of calm?
It is very easy to do, in addition we can take the opportunity to do this craft with the children and spend some time together. They can choose the color of the glitter to feel like they are part of the creation. Choose the size according to the age of the child and non-toxic materials.
For this we will need:
- A transparent jar with a lid, preferably plastic to prevent breakage.
- Glitter of the color you want (blue denotes calm, serenity)
- Glitter or transparent glue.
- Warm or hot water.
- Food coloring (optional).
Steps
- Heat the water and fill the jar 3/4 full with water.
- Add two tablespoons of glitter or transparent glue and stir (if you want to add more glue, remember to add less water).
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of glitter (depending on the size of the jar) and stir again. You can start by adding a little and adding more if it seems little.
- If you have chosen to add food coloring this is the time.
- Close the jar hermetically (you can do it with hot silicone). Make sure you don't pour it before giving it to the child.
And voila! When you shake the bottle we will see the glitter move and how it falls slowly. We can create several flasks of calm according to emotion (sadness, anger, boredom, anger ...). It is the perfect time to talk with our children about emotions and work with them on their management. This technique will help them express their feelings.
Because remember ... education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world (Nelson Mandela).