Spinning a Cocoon
Ways to reassure children without words.
You can reassure children without any words at all! Hugs help, and another way of holding each other close is simply reminding your child again and again that your family is together. Try these ideas, too.
Snuggle Up
Get under a blanket together and watch a favorite show or movie.
Balloon Belly Breaths
Try this together! Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose. Pretend you are filling up a balloon in your belly. Exhale slowly and repeat.
Melting Ice Cream
Invite children to lie flat on their backs with you and close their eyes. Pretend you are an ice-cream cone on a warm sidewalk. Relax by “melting” every muscle, from the top of your head all the way down to your toes.
Just Distract!
Doing something—anything—fun together may be the most effective strategy of all.
Using These Resources: Violence
Article about the Sesame Street Community & Gun Violence initiative.
Trauma and the Body
An article on the effects of violence on children.
1, 2, 3, Color Me
Sitting quietly and coloring together is a stress-reliever for adults and children alike.
We’re Not Alone
A music video on the power of community connections.
I Can Stay Safe
It’s important for children to know several people they can turn to when something goes wrong.
I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon
A song about the power of human connections.
Community Conversation: Community Violence
Many communities are unfortunately impacted by community violence, but there are people and organizations striving to help. You can, too!
