“Hold onto your hats everyone, it’s Halloween!” This is the “Heads up” reminder I’ve shared with my parent groups this week.
Every year since I’ve been in Practice, I’ve noticed a seasonal shift affecting regulation and behavior with the onset of Halloween. The combination of excitement over costumes, trick or treating, parties, and the spookiness of the holiday, is a set up for sensory and emotional overwhelm. Behavior, particularly of sensitive kids, starts to go off the charts, and seems to continue through the holidays until the comparatively boring month of January, where we see a flattening out.
I’m hoping you’ll take the time to read the following article: “The 5 Myths of Self-Compassion: What Keeps Us from Being Kinder to Ourselves?”* Author Kristin Neff, discusses the importance and mental health benefits of being kind to ourselves. A seemingly simple thing to do, that we apparently have socialized ourselves out of for fear of being self indulgent, weak, and selfish.
Take a minute this holiday season, to sip some tea, meet with a friend, go on a walk, or write a compassionate letter to yourself. Parenting exceptional children is beyond challenging. It is therefore vital to be kind to you. You are AMAZING!
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Disclaimer:
Neither the publisher nor the author are engaged in rendering advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions continued in this blog are not intended as a substitute for consulting with a licensed mental health and or child development advisor. All matters regarding the health and development of your child require professional supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestions in this blog.