Offering Comfort
Ways to make children feel safe, secure, and loved
During emotional times, support from caring adults can offer children comfort and reassurance. Below, you’ll find strategies and resources to comfort young children and help them feel safe, secure, and loved.
Breathe together
Paying attention to our breath is a simple grounding strategy that helps us press a “reset” button to pause and come back to the present moment. And it can be done anytime, anywhere. This activity can benefit children and adults – individually or together.
Use comfort objects
Hugging a stuffed animal, soft blanket, or big sweater can give kids a sense of control and security by being in contact with a familiar and calming personal treasure.
Homemade “glitter jars” can also help kids slow down and settle their overwhelming feelings. The glitter inside the bottle symbolizes how a child’s feelings are swirling around inside of them. As children watch the glitter settling down, it can help their body feel calmer.
Nurturing touch
Hugs and physical comfort can help little ones build resilience, feel secure and supported, and gain the confidence to try new things, make mistakes, and learn. Cuddle up and click through the storybook together.
