In the hustle and bustle of daily life, children, much like adults, can become overwhelmed by emotions, stress, and the demands of their environment. Spend any time with a toddler, and you are bound to see them become frustrated and overwhelmed at some point. Or engage with an elementary-age kid who is learning a new math skill and see how high frustrations can become. 

Enter the 10-minute reset – a simple yet powerful tool that can work wonders for children’s emotional well-being.

What exactly is the 10-minute reset, and how can it benefit children? Let us show you why it’s a fantastic tool to have in your back pocket! 

Understanding the 10-Minute Reset

The 10-minute reset is a designated period of time during which children can step away from whatever may be causing them to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. 

During these 10 minutes, parents give that child 100% of their attention. That means no phones or conversations with someone else. You are showing your child that they are worthy of your care, that their feelings matter, and that you are there to support them. 

For those 10 minutes, allow that child to pick out an activity they want to do. Allow yourself to engage 100% with them and watch their heightened emotions melt away. 

An older child may not need or want you to engage with them for those 10 minutes. That’s okay! Teach them how they can apply this principle themselves. Offer them the space to pause for 10 minutes when homework gets frustrating, or show them how to take 10 minutes to calm down before responding after being hurt by a friend. 

The Benefits of a 10-Minute Reset

The Power of Pausing

In today’s fast-paced world, pausing and taking a moment for oneself is often undervalued. Yet, for children, learning how to pause and regulate their emotions is a crucial skill that can benefit them for the rest of their lives. By incorporating regular 10-minute resets into their routine, children learn to recognize their emotional needs and develop strategies for self-care and self-regulation.

By engaging with your toddler during those 10 minutes, are you teaching your child how to benefit from this pause in real life. 

Cultivating Emotional Awareness

The 10-minute reset allows children to tune into their emotions and identify what they’re feeling. Whether it’s sadness, anger, anxiety, or excitement, taking a moment to acknowledge and name their emotions can help children develop emotional intelligence and resilience. 

Enhancing Focus and Productivity

Contrary to the belief that constant busyness leads to productivity, research has shown that regular breaks can enhance focus, creativity, and productivity. By incorporating 10-minute resets into their day, children can recharge their mental batteries, allowing them to return to their tasks with renewed energy and concentration. 

Strengthening Resilience

Life is full of ups and downs, and learning to bounce back from setbacks is a valuable life skill. The 10-minute reset helps children build resilience by teaching them that it’s okay to take a step back, regroup, and try again.

The 10-minute reset is a simple yet powerful tool for promoting children’s emotional well-being.