In Māori tradition the child was a valued member of the Māori worlds before conception, before birth, and before time. They began their journey in Rangiātea, homeland of the gods. Born into this world, they were nurtured like a precious seed to ensure their survival.

Ideas for calming your tamariki/child

You can help children to understand they have choices that can help them to manage their emotions.

Help them learn some calming rituals.

Encourage and make space for the use of rituals for soothing, calming, and distracting – for example:

• singing waiata, for example, Te Kōtare

• rhythmic movements such as rocking or swinging

• breathing exercises, for example tummy breathing (Ministry of Health Sparklers site)

• using a hand-held fan to cool down

• blowing bubbles

• going to a quiet space to relax

• gentle touch or massage

• listening to music

• kanikani for dancing away troubled feelings

• tactile experiences such as water play or modelling with dough

• a cuddle and a story.

Adapted from He Māpuna te Tamaiti: Supporting Social and Emotional Competence in Early Learning, page 39.