January 7, 2024

102nd Edition

Hello Karen,

It's a brand new year!

Between holidays and school starting up again, there are many challenges that therapeutic families face at this time of year.

With increased stress and negative behaviours, nurture and snuggle time often get put aside in order to deal with the chaos that is happening. Using daily, intentional nurturing practices are a way to ensure that your child is being filled up with the love they need to heal, even in the chaos. They also provide a time for you to actually have fun with your child each day!

Try out our new Silly Snuggle Time and enjoy some giggles and smiles while you bond and have fun with your child!

Enjoy!

What is Silly Snuggle Time?

Silly Snuggle Time is a fun time to laugh and be silly together while using some of the main keys to bonding: smiles, movement (rocking), positive touch, eye contact, and pizzazz.

Traditional snuggle time can sometimes be hard for both parent and child, and can take a lot of energy for a parent to implement. Silly Snuggle Time is a technique that can be used to replace traditional snuggle time for a short period of time to help you as a parent to recuperate and regain some energy while still building a bond with your child.

The sillier the songs and the more fun you have with your child, the better!

What you will need

• Cozy blanket (use a fun tortilla blanket, a favourite snuggly, or if you get hot easily - a flat twin sheet)
• Comfy place to sit (rocking chair, couch)
• Something to play music or videos on (phone, iPad, TV)
• VeggieTales songs (or other equally ridiculous and silly short songs)

What to do

Choose several times each day that work for you to do silly snuggle time and set reminders or alarms on your phone.

When the alarm goes off, wrap your child in a cozy blanket and sit on the rocker or couch with them on your lap or right beside you (put your arm around them for positive, physical touch).

Play one short (2-3 minute) very silly VeggieTale song and listen and/or watch it together, sharing smiles and laughter at the ridiculousness!

At the end of the song, unwrap your child, give them a hug, and have them go back to what they were doing.

When to use Silly Snuggle Time

Use this technique when you are finding it hard to use traditional snuggle time or when your child is exhibiting more severe push-away behaviours. Use it for 1 - 3 days as a way to get back into healthy attachment patterns.

Choose 3 - 4 times throughout the day, or set an alarm for every 2 or 3 hours. The more times you can fit in, the better!

Be mindful of your own energy levels and do not burn yourself out!

Some good times for silly snuggle time are first thing in the morning, after school, after mealtimes, or before bed. If your child is home all day, choose times that help to break up the day.

"The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter, and the soul heals with joy."

Proverb

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