Touch is the first language that a baby understands and continues to be an important way of
connecting with our children throughout childhood. Playful touch is not only a fun way to connect but is also a way of soothing a child who is anxious. “Checking the Weather” has become a tool for many parents to calm and de-escalate a stressed out child.
“Check the weather” on your child’s back by telling the following story with the motions:
“One day the weather was bright and sunny.” (Using your finger, make a round circle on your child’s back and make the rays of the sun.)
“As the day moved on the wind began to softly blow the trees and dark clouds began to form overhead.” (Place your palms on your child’s back and gently move them back and forth, making the swooshing sound of the wind.”
“The rain began to fall.” (Gently tap your fingertips on your child’s back to make the rain.)
“The rain began to fall harder and pound on the rooftops.” (Tap your fingers faster and harder on your child’s back.)
“The thunder began to roar.” (Make a fist and gently pound on your child’s back and make a thunder sound.)
“The lightening flashed.” (Use your finger and make zig zag movements on your child’s back.)
“The thunder continued to roar.” (Make a fist and gently pound on your child’s back and make a thunder sound.)
“The rain continued to pound on the rooftops.” (Make a fist and gently pound on your child’s back and make a thunder sound.)
“But then, the wind began to quiet.” (Slowly move the palms of your hands across your child’s back.)
“The rain began to slow.” (Tap your fingers on your child’s back.)
“The thunder and the lightening stopped, and the sun began to peak out from behind the clouds.” (Using your finger, make a circle on your child’s back. Make the rays of the sun.)
“And then out came a beautiful rainbow. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet.” (As you name each color, make an arch on your child’s back with your finger.)
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