The last 5 months have been unlike anything we’ve experienced yet with our kiddos. We’ve mentioned it before, but we are taking social distancing extremely seriously and don’t leave the house much unless we absolutely have to, like going to the store for food or necessities, and even then only one of us will go while the other stays home with the kiddos. There’s almost always a lot of built up energy in the kids from being inside all day until it’s cool enough in the evening for us to take a walk or run around on the land. So, PJ came up with a way for us all to let it out.
At the dinner table, he looks at everyone, counts to three, and we all scream at the top of our lungs. There’s no limit to how high or loud you can go, just so long as you get it all out. We do this for a few minutes until we all feel a little better and then continue eating dinner. The kiddos love it and always burst out laughing when we’re finished. So far older brother can scream the highest and the loudest, so kudos to him (our ears say otherwise). It’s a great way for us all to let loose, be a little silly in a not-so-silly time, and allow the kids to go wild for a few minutes. They need it. And frankly, we do, too.
Physically screaming or yelling your feelings is actually something Thomas’ mom used to do in group therapy years ago. Her therapist would have them all go around the room and, one at a time, yell the words “I”M ANGRY!” over and over until their voices were hoarse. It was surprisingly helpful. There’s a lot of power and emotion in yelling your feelings in a healthy, proactive way (as opposed to directly yelling at someone out of anger).
Have you ever tried something like this? Hope you’re staying safe & sane, friends x.