When it is time for your preschooler’s nap, play a tape or CD of calming music, such as flutes or quiet, rhythmical drumming. Another option is to take him outside and challenge him to list everything he can hear, such as songbirds, a lawnmower in the distance or a radio playing. The act of listening closely is calming. Listening to recordings of natural sounds, such as rain or a fire crackling or ocean waves, can have a quieting effect. Many adults use these types of recordings to relax or meditate, and it works the same way with young children. Quietly read to your youngster or tell him a favorite story, one he has heard many times. The sound of your voice and the repetition of the familiar words will help him settle down.
Some children are easily over-stimulated by visual input, while others seem too quiet or uninvolved. Most kids, however, will find looking at a lava lamp, a bubble lamp or just an outdoor nature setting to be calming. Avoid clutter that can catch a child’s eye. Provide a quiet space with minimal visuals to ease a child’s excitability. Looking at pictures or photos is a naturally quiet activity that many kids find peaceful. Solid-colored walls and rugs are less stimulating than bold colors or patterns. Pick up the clutter in a child's room before trying to get him to relax.
While most of the time, it’s a good idea to have children expand their taste buds by trying different flavors and textures in foods, when it is time to calm down, a familiar drink or food will help. A glass of milk taken routinely before a quiet time can be a signal that it is time to rest or just be quiet. A favorite cookie -- being mindful of the sugar -- or half a PBJ sandwich will satisfy the taste buds without over-energizing the child. Lighting a scented candle or simmering some cinnamon in water on the stove will also calm a child.
Sometimes what children need to settle down is physical activity to work off any residual excitement. Rhythmic bouncing on a therapy ball, slow swinging on a swing or slow rocking in a rocking chair will provide a calming sensation. Sometimes a child might need more robust activity, such as jumping into a pile of pillows or throwing himself onto the couch a few times. Softly touching the child in a massage or lightly running your fingers through his hair or on his arm will provide a gentle tranquility. Steady, firm pressure will help kids to relax.