Breathe, Think, Do

We often hear that screen time is bad. It’s detrimental to a child and their learning process. I’m of the belief that there’s a great balance between personal interaction, reading, playing and screen time. For me screen time includes TV, movies and apps.

One of my favorite apps I have come across is: ‘Sesame Street Breathe, Think, Do.’ This app has children help a Blue Monster through challenges. For example, the Blue Monster has trouble tying his shoes and becomes frustrated. First, the child helps the monster take three deep breaths. Then, the child can pop bubbles which helps the monster think of three possible solutions. Finally, the child gets to choose which of the three options may best help the monster.

‘J’ really enjoys this app and it’s great at teaching him to stop and think through his challenges or frustrations. He breathes along with the monster. He has fun popping the bubbles and learns how different choices can be made when approaching a challenge.

There are so many great learning apps out there. You can learn letters, numbers, shapes, spelling, the list goes on. ‘J’ has loves playing these “games” and doesn’t even realize how much he learns from them.

What I love about Breathe, Think, Do is that it addresses daily challenges and feelings, which is a lot harder to teach. Especially for someone who has sensory difficulties.

Then again, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Sesame Street.

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Random Acts of Kindness Day

There’s an official day for everything now. National Chocolate Chip Day, National Cold Cuts Day, Marching Music Day, the list goes on and on. Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day which should be an official day, everyday.

We talk about the importance of being kind with J very often. It’s important for him to be kind to his sister, his friends at school and our family dog. He’s so sweet and considerate that this comes pretty naturally to him. It’s amazing when we watch him do things for others without any prompting.

The world is a scary place and I don’t think there’s a question that more kindness is needed. If we can keep teaching our children kindness, than maybe as time goes on, the kindness will push the scary out.

Do something kind today and then practice it everyday. Do it for a friend, a family member, an animal or a complete stranger. Treating others the way you wish to be treated is the golden rule after all.

And now, a favorite video in this household, Tori Kelly sings “Try a Little Kindness” with the Sesame Street gang: