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FREE Printable ABCs For Parents of Little Ones

The document discusses strategies for parents to calm themselves before attempting to calm an upset child. It introduces the ABCs approach of being aware of one's inner state, breathing deeply, and seeking closeness with the child to co-regulate emotions. Children easily sense parents' feelings and need the parent to be a calm safe place.

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298 views2 pages

FREE Printable ABCs For Parents of Little Ones

The document discusses strategies for parents to calm themselves before attempting to calm an upset child. It introduces the ABCs approach of being aware of one's inner state, breathing deeply, and seeking closeness with the child to co-regulate emotions. Children easily sense parents' feelings and need the parent to be a calm safe place.

Uploaded by

irmapboja
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ABC’s for Parents of Little Ones

As parents, we want to support our little ones during tough times. However, adults can’t help children navigate upset
and reach a calm state unless we are composed ourselves. This printable resource provides a three-step process for
calming yourself and providing the safety your children need.

The inner state of adults (upset or calm) dictates the inner state of young children. A young child cannot feel calm when their parent or
caregiver is clearly upset. Children easily pick up on the feelings of the adults around them. If you want to help your child feel composed,
the first step is attending to your own composure.

This free resource introduces three steps to help you regain your composure before attempting to calm a child. Print this quick guide for
parents of little ones, then post it somewhere prominent as a helpful reminder. With these tips, you’ll be a more present and effective guide
through these unique times.

Conscious Discipline Glossary:


• S.T.A.R.: One of Conscious Discipline’s four core breathing techniques, S.T.A.R. stands for Smile, Take a deep breath, And Relax.
Breathe in through the nose with the belly going out, then out through the mouth with the belly going in. Exhale longer than you inhale.
Three deep belly breaths shut off the body’s “fight or flight” response.

• Connection: The four components of meaningful connection are eye contact, touch, presence and a playful situation.

• Safe Place™: The Conscious Discipline Safe Place is a self-regulation center where children use research-based, developmentally
appropriate tools and strategies to change their inner state from upset to calm. Only in a calm, optimal state can the brain function well
enough to learn and problem-solve effectively. For children, the parent or caregiver is the very first Safe Place.

800.842.2846 ConsciousDiscipline.com
© 2020 Loving Guidance, LLC. All rights reserved. 1
ABC ’
s for parents
of little ones...
AWARENESS
Be aware of your own inner state. Is your heart rate elevated? Are you feeling
tense/frustrated, etc.? Children can FEEL our upset, so the next step is
BREATHE DEEPLY and bring yourself back to the present moment.

B REATHE
Take deep belly breaths. Inhale through your nose for at least 5 seconds, and
exhale through your mouth for at least 10 seconds. Do this at least 3 times.

CLOSENESS
They want to be close to you because you are their Safe Place™. Co-regulation
and connection/bonding happen when they are close to you. Take deep breaths
with them in moments of closeness.

800.842.2846 ConsciousDiscipline.com
© 2020 Loving Guidance, LLC. All rights reserved. 2

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