Theme of the Week: Fish

I have seen other cool blogs host a 'theme of the week', where they honor several adorable creations within a particular theme. The Crafty Shrink will a start this tradition, including a crafty 'tip' about child development that is relevant to the theme.

What child development skill could possibly be related to fish? Anxiety management.

When fish are out of their comfort zone, water, they gulp and gasp in a panic for air. Well, this happens with kids too. When they are out of their comfort zone, and are taxed in some way in which they can't cope, they panic... often gasping in fear or enduring that heavy crying 'hiccup'. A crafty way to intervene when a child feels like a 'fish out of water': Simplify. So, depending on the situation, decrease whatever is taxing in the moment. The goal becomes helping them 'breathe' and get comfortable again. Consider giving them a box of crayons and paper or something to snuggle as they 'take a break' and re-group. Now is not a time to pile on punishments or life lessons - their 'thinking brain' is not available when they are 'gasping for air'. Later, when they are in their comfort zone again, review what happened and make a plan for how to address it in the future.

Fun Fish Finds:

Fishbowl Comfort Kit - Felt Bag

by Petite Fish

 Orange Fish Against The Current Watercolor, 9 x 12

by Serpentina Designs

Tropical Fish Decorative Cookies, 1 dozen

by Lori's Place

Little Fish Sandwich Sak
 
 by Waste Not Saks