To get the most from your Relax Kids products, please take the time to introduce these lovely exercises to your kids slowly, and be patient as they learn the skills needed to enjoy them fully!
1. TIMING! As tempting as it may be to call the kids in from playtime, TV time or other pursuits and play a track as soon as you get your CD – resist it!!!
2. Initially, maximum benefit is gained from the soothing tracks when played after the kids are in bed for the evening.
3. The first night, you might start with just one track. Over a short time you can build up to leave the CD playing after you leave the room.
4.Caution if using headphones. Your child WILL fall asleep while listening. Remove headphones as soon as practicable and/or remain very close by to supervise any cords.
5. Before playing for the first time,explain that just as their physical bodies need exercise, the CD tracks are exercise for their “imagination muscles”.
6. Point to your forehead and ask them if they can see, or sense, the story in their mind as they listen. Some might see it as a movie in their mind, others may “sense” they are there in story.
7. Let them know before playing the track there will be time to talk about it after it is finished, rather than during it. And tell them it only goes for 3 or 4 minutes so they know what to expect.
8. Remain in the room with them, and sit or lie still with eyes closed to model how to listen. Gently resist the urge to be drawn into conversation while the track plays. Simply point silently again to your forehead and perhaps a “finger on the lips gentle shhhh” will guide them back to listen.
9. BE PATIENT! There may be giggles and fidgets and talking. This is normal. It is a new experience. Continue to model listening and relaxation skills while using the tracks.
10. Over time, you can bring the tracks out of the bedroom for use in quiet time, homework time, listening while drawing, doing homework or while driving in the car and so on.
11. BE LIGHT about it! Enjoy them yourself, and your kids will love them too!
