Early yEars
Talk about Feelings by Mat thew Timberlake for the Urban Child Institute
Detect the emotion
some parents have a knack for observing the signs of emotional flare ups, like they possess some shady magic that lets them see a tantrum or a sulk developing like a dark cloud on the horizon. Pro tip: It isn’t magic. You can do it. think about your child’s emotional responses, the way your son furrows his brow when frustrated or your daughter stutters through her words when nervous. tuning in to these subtle signs is key to helping your child make sense of his or her emotional state. We all have feelings. helping children talk about those feelings can make emotions feel a lot less overwhelming, scary, or upsetting.
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ike that crazy sitcom character, the one that can’t manage a real relationship, your preschool kid can sometimes be an emotional mess. you give him a lollipop and he runs around the house singing about it. you tell him he has to wear socks and a coat because it’s sleeting outside and he collapses onto the floor, red-faced and screaming. helping children learn how to talk about their feelings can bring balance to their moods and is at the very top of the list of important parenting duties.
Spring/Summer Consignment Sales
Get shopping and save on gently worn clothing February 5-7 KidsTown Children’s Consignment Event • consignkidstown.com Agricenter International (7777 Walnut Grove Rd.) largest sale in the mid-south. sellers price competitively because there’s such s huge selection. bring a large shopping bag to hold all your finds. February 18-22 Children’s Clothing Exchange • glossonchildrensconsignment.com 6108 Quince Rd. (corner of Quince & Ridgeway) name-brand clothing for newborn through juniors. open until 8 p.m. on regular sale days. st. Jude fund-raiser: pay $10 to shop February 17th, before sale opens to the public.
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Helping children talk about their feelings can make those emotions feel a lot less overwhelming, scary, or upsetting.
React and guide
you’ve taken your 4-year-old to the birthday party she’s been excitedly chatting about all week. but once you arrive, the playroom is loud and children are running everywhere. the afternoon might play out several ways, with your child feeling happy and excited, sporting hulk-colored frosting on her lips; or overstimulated, exhausted, and begging to leave. by the time the birthday child is opening presents, you can tell things are headed south. birthday boy is showing off his cool stuff and your child isn’t feeling it. she comes to you, lower lip out, and says, “i want a new puzzle and those books.” it might be easier to placate her and buy some new toys, or to tell her to grow up and stop whining. but giving her a chance to talk about how she feels will give her tools she can use for the rest of her life. you say: “you want all that stuff that your friend just got? but it’s his special day, isn’t it?” she shakes her head as she listens in your arms. “i’ve felt that way before, and i have a word for it.” she asks what it is. “i call it envy. you’re envious of his birthday.” From there, you can talk to her about how one day soon it will be her birthday, and no one else’s and she’ll be the one celebrated. you can talk about how feeling envious isn’t fun, but it’s a common feeling we all experience. then give an example from your own life to give her something to think about on the drive home. MP
February 26-28 Sweet Repeats • sweetrepeatsmemphis.com Carrefour Shopping Center (in old Borders space), 6645 Poplar Avenue, Suite 110 largest selection of upscale boutique clothing. mid-south Food bank fundraiser, bring five nonperishable food items on February 25th to shop before the public. February 28-March 4 Rhea Lana’s Germantown/Collierville Sale • germantown.rhealana.com 449 Hwy 72, Suite #3 (across from Fred’s), Collierville nice mid-size sale. not all items are name-brand, but everything is in quality condition. great finds in shoes and discounted melissa and doug wooden toys. — Compiled by Candice Baxter © TTaTTy | DreamsTime.com
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February 22-25 Blue Door Exchange • Find them on Facebook 4227 Amber Lane this sale is a hidden gem near dixon gallery and gardens. great for all things smocked and frocked, Vera bradley, and high-end strollers.