Grounding exercises 

Repetitive activities that engage children in everyday activities, such as laying the table, tidying away toys, and helping with other jobs - present learning opportunities, but also help children to feel normal and provide opportunity for them to feel helpful and responsible, which can counter a feeling of helplessness. 

Time outdoors

Take children into nature; to playing fields, a beach, an esturary, a lake, or to climb trees in the woods. Letting the children free in nature not only supports their mental wellbeing; it’s great physical exercise too.

Stay connected

Support children to keep in touch with their network of friends and family by helping them to draw or paint pictures for them, or for older children – encourage them to write letters to friends and relatives. You can extend this activity further by posting the items, and walking with the children to the local post box to start them on their journey.

Mindfulness activities

These can help children cope with big emotions or challenging experiences. Breathing, for example, is a simple, free and easy way to engage children with mindfulness. Lie down somewhere comfy and get the children to imagine there is a balloon in their tummy. As they breathe in, the balloon slowly gets bigger as it inflates. When they breathe out, the balloon effortlessly deflates and gets smaller. Why not try resting their favourite toy on their tummy and let them go along for a calming ride.

Sensory play

There are huge benefits to sensory play, which helps children explore their senses and process new information. Sensory play encourages discovery and independent thinking, as well as inspiring imagination and creativity. Therapeutic sensory play can help calm an anxious or restless child. Try using light up toys as a visual aid, or silk scarves as a tactile experience. These simple items help provide a calming experience to soothe children.