Hum Along to Sunny Days With Elmo and Friends
A video about the power of humming.
Did you know that humming for 10 seconds or more can actually help us relax? Humming makes vibrations in our throat. The vibrations activate a nerve that carries signals from the brain to the body. This nerve, called the vagus nerve, helps us to soothe ourselves and calm our bodies after we’ve been in stressful situations, so we can better cope with stress and manage big feelings.
In moments of emotional distress, when we’re the most concerned about children’s emotional health and well-being, a strategy like this may offer children some short-term relief. Share this video with children and try humming along! Later, you might:
- Hum familiar tunes together and make up some of your own.
- In your own stressful moments, model humming, explain what you’re doing, and invite children to join you! (“Humming can help me calm myself down… want to try it with me?”)
- Try humming together in challenging moments in the future (perhaps when children are feeling frustrated, angry, worried, nervous, or even over-excited), invite children to join you in humming, singing, or even buzzing like a bee (these activities all create vibrations in the throat). Help them notice how they feel afterward.
And check out what the Count has to say about humming here!
Comfort Container
Help children take a quiet moment alone and soothe themselves.
A Good Friend to Myself
Self-compassion matters… children should be as kind to themselves as they are to others!
Gratitude Jar
Highlight the power of gratitude! In tough times, help children pause, notice, and savor the feelings that the good things in our lives bring.
What Mental Health Specialists Want Parents to Know About Anxiety
An article for parents about childhood anxiety
When You’re Concerned About Your Child’s Mental Health
An article for parents concerned about children’s mental health.
Mental Health Resource and Support List for Parents
If you’re concerned about—or considering seeking professional support for—your child’s emotional well-being, there are lots of resources just for you.