“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”——Henri Nouwen How have you overcome this challenging period? Have you managed to talk about it with your child/children? Or are you unsure of the words to use and what to say? Have you been able to be a positive role-model? How are you finding the positives during each step of the way? I would like to share some ideas with you about how to maintain happiness during this unusual period but also throughout daily life hereafter. Feelings One of the most important things to do is to talk, especially about feelings. This allows children to express themselves by using many different words, not only happy or sad. There are many children’s stories that talk about feelings and this can help you to teach your child about the range of emotions we feel. By being honest with our children and sharing when we are perhaps worried or upset and then how we manage to overcome these feelings by either turning them into something positive or by allowing ourselves to be upset for a short time and acknowledge these feelings before then moving on. Gratitude Journal Write down in a notebook three things you are grateful for daily, for example;
Research has shown that it builds self-esteem, develops a positive outlook on life, lowers stress levels, maintains a feeling of calm. So, I am sure your next question is: how can I do this with my child? This could be something you build into their bedtime routine. You could talk about the things that they are grateful for that day. If they are unsure you might model some ideas for them. If your child is older, they might like to start to keep their own gratitude journal and write in it independently. Routine Although it may be hard to maintain a routine during this time, research has shown that family routines help to strengthen shared beliefs and values, and it builds a sense of belonging and togetherness in the family. Maintaining ‘normal’ daily routines can make it easier for children to deal with stressful events. Routines make children have a sense of belonging, safety, skills and responsibility along with healthy habits. At nursery, we create visual timetables which allow the children to process and manage their day. At home children could help you create the daily routine/timetable by drawing pictures and then crossing them out once the activity is complete. They can plan for activities that they like, help you to plan the weekly lunches and dinners. It allows for you to talk together and discuss what your favourite activities for the week are and what you may be excited, nervous or worried about. Mindfulness What is mindfulness? Mindfulness means paying full attention to something. It means slowing down to really notice what you’re doing. Being mindful is the opposite of rushing or multitasking. When you’re mindful you’re taking your time. You’re focusing in a relaxed, easy way. How can you do this with your child? Try mindful colouring – listening to calm music and draw whatever comes into your mind. Try yoga – there are many yoga videos online by cosmic yoga, which are designed for children and are very easy to follow. This would be a wonderful activity to do as a family. Try breathing exercises – they can help you to become more familiar with the rhythms of your body. You could try practising some mindfulness at https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/mindfulness-for-children Try going for long walks – while outside, encourage your child to walk slowly noticing what is around them. What can they see? What can they smell? What has changed since the last time they were outside? Apps that you might like to download include Breathe Kids or Calm. You may also find this website helpful https://www.actionforhappiness.org/ Being in the moment What does your child love to do? What do you love to do? Do you have a hobby? Do you plan for this throughout the week? Do you put your phone or laptop aside for a couple of hours to be ‘in the moment’ with your child, playing with their favourite toys or teaching them to cook their favourite food in the kitchen? It is important for your child to see that our lives do not revolve around our phones and that they have your full attention for longer periods of time. It is also important for them to see you carrying out some of your own hobbies. For example, you may love yoga and choose to do a yoga work out together. Leaving the house Have you managed to leave the house for a short walk? Or taken some sports equipment to your garden or grass area in your compound? Fresh air is good for our bodies and our minds. Being able to be outside even for a short period of time each day will allow you all to feel more relaxed, calm and give your body the chance to get the essential vitamins it needs from the sunlight. Spreading a bit of happiness from Hiba Academy Shanghai Below are some photos and words from some our members of staff and pupils on how they are maintaining their happiness: “I have been making masks for Batman.”——George EY2 
“I got a new puppy at the beginning of the Chinese New Year holiday and she has definitely kept me smiling (and very busy!) over the past couple of weeks. We've been out for walks, had lots of cuddles and she finally knows that her name is Olive!”——Ms. Nikki
“I have been reading my favourite stories.”——Darren EY3
“I have been walking my dogs and some friends’ dogs, down at the Bund. Starting to see the magnolia on the trees is making me very happy!”——Ms. Lynn EY3
We hope you have found some of our suggestions helpful during this unusual and potentially challenging time in our lives.
