Conscious Discipline

Happy Bunnies uses Conscious Discipline® which is an educational program designed to help
children recognize and manage their emotions and, at the same time,
manage themselves in the company of others (get along socially with
peers and adults).
Here are some simple ideas you can try at home to guide your child’s social and emotional development using Conscious Discipline® strategies.
H Teach your child to stop and take a deep breath when she is upset. Your child is learning the S.T.A.R. (Stop, Take a Deep Breath, And Relax) strategy at school.
To teach your child how to take a deep breath, have her pretend to “smell a flower”
(inhale) and then “blow out a candle” (exhale).
H Talk with your child about his or her emotions. Name the emotions your child feels.

Children often don’t know what to call their feelings.
H Help your child find a solution for what he or she is feeling if there is one. For example, if your child is expressing sadness because she doesn’t want you to leave her behind, you might offer her something in your possession (scarf, bracelet, picture) to hold on to until you return. If your child is afraid of “monsters” in his room, put scented water in a spray bottle and label it “Monster Spray.” Use it to spray away the monsters.

H: Interact with your child in ways that teaches her to interact with others. For example, play a simple cooperative
interaction game called Patty Cake. Point out that you use gentle touches. Point out personal space. Make sure
your child understands how to take turns.
H Be “fully present.” Find time each day to spend time with your child.