Happy Place

Although "finding your happy place" can be talked about as a bit of a joke - its actually a lovely thing to teach kids, helps them relax and focus on positive thoughts.

To teach a child how to find their happy place ask them to sit or lie

When the child is reasonably calm and quiet encourage them to close their eyes and think of a nice place -(suggest options- beach, mountains, zoo, farm,park,garden - it doesnt matter - it can be a real place they know or an imaginary one) its best at this point if they tell you what it is so you can guide them to expand on it. (but if they dont want to thats fine too)

Speak in a soft gentle voice as you explore the possibilties of the place. It is important to encourage the child to experience the happy place with as much of their senses as possible.

So if it is the beach ; ask them to 'hear' the seagulls, the water, maybe laughter and chatter if other people are present

encourage them to 'see' as much as possible the golden sand (ask them to look at the tiny glistening grains - note there are different colours), the blue/green/white colours in the water- see the sparkles etc, maybe colours of beachballs and umbrellas , the colour of the sky- maybe soft fluffy white clouds....

remember  'touch' - the warmth of the sun, the feel of the sand running through fingers or between toes, the feel of the towel under your body and so on

'smell' - the salty sea air, maybe suncream, maybe even flowers growing nearby.

and 'taste' why not add in an ice cream or fairy floss.

You can explore the scene together- you can guide and suggest and the child can choose and add to the scene.

When the scene has been expanded ask the child to just relax and enjoy it. Then tell them they can return to this "Happy Place" anytime - it will be there if they feel sad and it will be there if they are having trouble sleeping and so on. Finally you can softly tell them 'when they are ready to wriggle fingers and toes and 'return' to the bedroom and open their eyes". ( they may be asleep anyway *smile*

This is a lovely gentle empowering technique which is also a basic method used in meditation. It aids in relaxation and self control - it is also employed in anger management techniques.

Enjoy sharing it with youngsters.