Creativity in the time of Crisis & Change
“How will my child process this crisis? Are there safe emotional outlets during this change?” (Mother of 2 ages 6–11).
Being featured on news outlets and family centered shows allowed me to express the importance of the body and movement during this time of crisis. For a large audience, I was able to share how to create a sensory diet to support routine and connection, and how to communicate effective information to our children. Now, in my office, I sit, solo, in front of a computer and for each hour, I can share with families the importance of creativity and connection in the time of the Coronavirus.
Susan, a mother of two, is also home. Like most, she is having to multi-task her schedule of work, marriage, home chores, home school and the emotional dynamics of two kids managing all these changes. Our sessions allow for a place to express and unload the burden of these changes, and an opportunity to bring acceptance for providing creative outlets to her family.
Simon, age 8 was given the task of leading his family in a routine each afternoon in which everyone said “one wish and one hope” while moving their bodies in a repetitive rhythm and incorporating cross body movement (integrating both sides of the body for regulation). His father listens and captures any wishes or hopes the children or his wife express and then he can later incorporate these ideas on a visual board he posts each morning.
Samantha, age 11 takes a movement break between her requested school assignments. With me, she communicates her negative thoughts, her challenges, and her fears. I have her write them down and circle the phrase she is most thinking about. I ask her to find a movement to indicate what she is saying. I ask her to take the movement and use an effort quality of weight such as lightness to move her arms. In that moment she feels ease, embodying how even though the thought is heavy, her body indicates a change. She has a choice in her emotional outlook of the situation. She takes a moment to match this movement to a new set of words. She writes down how her feeling of weakness can actually be a strength. She states for instance, I am isolated at home…to….I am independent and find solitude. She repeats the movement with her new phrase and smiles, taking a deep breath.
Collaboratively the family, places one another in a postural stance in the room (as I watch in the video camera). I acknowledge where each member stands today. Last week, each member stood in a posture separate and with backs or sides to one another. Today, in our session, they are all facing together and holding hands. Today, they communicate feeling connected and safe.
Every week, I continue to work with children of all ages and their families to support their communication styles, movement choices, and beautiful connections! For more ways to learn, at home and online, how to embody parenting and support your child through life, Email me at therapy@drloribaudino.com to schedule your time.
Please Note: These stories are based on real moments but all names, ages, and identifying information has been changed to ensure confidentiality and safety for all individuals involved. The events are a composite of related scenarios used to illustrate the work; bringing understanding to the benefits of supporting children through a mind/body connection.
