Soundbox

For many parents, bedtime can be difficult. At the end of a day, both of you are tired and you probably can’t wait for your child to get settled. To make it extra spicy, lots of children will treat their parents to one last outburst of energy just before bed. There goes your Friday night...

When your child is struggling to settle and you can’t get them to connect with you, maybe see if the next exercise works for you: a soundbox. It is my favourite one!

What’s the theory behind it?

A soundbox helps the body shift from a state of alertness to relaxation.  Singing makes the calming slow out-breath into something playful, natural and relaxed.

For children who have experienced big transitions or trauma, singing together can make their body experience that they don’t need to be in a state of high alertness anymore. Child psychiatrist Dr. Bruce Perry writes in What Happened to You? (2021) that before children can think and feel safe, they first need to feel regulated and connected. Repetitive, consistent and rhythmic activities such as singing, breathing, rocking and even drumming can help children regulate their nervous system.

The soundbox exercise is a hidden breathing exercise, while both of you are feeling heard, seen and your child will feel safe sitting or lying close to you. I love how this exercise gets everyone relaxed and ready for bed. I hope it will work wonders for you as well.

Good luck!

- Maartje