There are days when nothing ever seems to go right, no matter how you try to make things better. Let's see if we can come up with ways to get past the problems and focus on better days ahead.
STORYTIME:
A Bad Case of Stripes
written and illustrated by David Shannon
Sometimes the answer to the trouble is just continuing to be yourself (even if it means admitting you like lima beans).
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
by Judith Vorst; illustrated by Ray Cruz.
Other times, you need to stay strong and remember that tomorrow always holds promise of a better day. But, while you are waiting for things to improve, here are some ideas to get your mind off your troubles.
ACTIVITY:
- Draw two pictures -- in the first picture, draw one of how you feel when you are upset, angry, or frustrated. Then, draw a second picture of how you want things to be. Keep those pictures somewhere where you can see them to remind yourself that you WILL get through this bad time. Most importantly, TALK with your grownup about your troubles and how they make you feel.
- Practice settling your thoughts so you don't feel so overwhelmed. Try some breathing exercises or yoga, like that in the video below. If that helps you, check out other yoga videos on Cosmic Kids.
- After you have examined your feelings and calmed your thoughts, it's time to think about other people. Doing things for others is one of the best ways to get one's mind off the troubles. So, what can you do to help someone else? Your parents? Your family? Your neighbor? Try to do something good for someone else every day: clean your room without being asked, help with the cleaning, read to a younger sibling, walk the dog, write a "thinking of you" letter to someone, say "Thank you!" (and mean it!). What can you do for others?
STEAM:
Today, make a pretty Twirling Twig Mobile to hang outside in the wind. All you need are some twigs from your yard, a pinecone or rock, and different colored yarns. The above website has all the directions, and it includes the science behind the design.
Again, get pictures of your handiwork to share when we are together again.
Remember, make it a great day, keep safe, and keep on reading!
