calming Children 2

Contd

Tip three: EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

Karate Chop with Affirmation

Have the child use the karate chop with an affirmation to help shift her out of a negative
or uncooperative state. Energetically this is known as being psychologically reversed.
When anyone’s energy is reversed we literally will do the opposite of what would help us
or we make choices which sabotage our best interest. This is incredibly hlepful with physical pain as well, to lessen the intensity in the moment, brings more calm (only do it if it doesn't bother the child)

1) If the child will cooperate, have them tap the outside part of the hand against the
outstretched palm of the opposite hand in a (gentle) karate chop motion. While tapping,
have the child say some version of the following:

a) “Even though I am feeling upset right now, I am a super kid!”
b) “I like myself & I’m ok even though I have this ___________problem.” (anger, sadness, fear, upset, etc.)
c) “Even though I am feeling like a bad kid right now, I love & totally accept myself!”

2) Repeat the tapping and affirmation out loud three times pausing to take a deep breath
in between each affirmation and tapping sequence.

3) If the child has trouble saying the affirmation and doing the tapping, do it for them on
your own body. Set your intentions for their highest good.

Tip Four: Safe Place with a Butterfly Hug

Have your child think of a place where he feels calm, peaceful and relaxed. This safe
place can be real or an imaginary place. (Check to make sure there are no negative
memories associated with it.) When you first talk about the safe place, it helps if the
child is relaxed and in a positive state of mind.

1) Have your child describe a peaceful, calm place in as much detail as possible.
(Sometimes I have the child draw their safe place.)
2) Is this calm, peaceful place inside a building or outside in nature?
3) While they are picturing this special place, taking some slow deep breaths and feeling
the calm, relaxed feelings inside their body, have them cross their arms over their chest
and lightly tap their finger tips on their upper chest until they feel totally calm and
relaxed. This gentle tapping process is called a Butterfly Hug.
4) Whenever they are feeling agitated or upset, remind them of their special peaceful
place. Have them picture the safe place in their heads and then do a Butterfly Hug to feel
better! Some children like to draw their Safe Place.