10 game-changing ways to lessen anxiety for kids {issue 69}

Plus, the one game my kids beg to play (it's not a board game!).

January 27, 2022 No. 69 Lunar New Year is coming up, which means another round of delicious food and celebration. We'll be making some of our favorite Vietnamese dishes and FaceTiming with family. Happy Year of the Tiger, if you celebrate!  — Thao     10 Game-Changing Ways to Lessen Anxiety for Kids Of all the tough stuff you have to navigate as a parent, one of the hardest is seeing your child afraid. Whether it's their first panicky meltdown as you drop them at daycare, a new phobia (of the dark, dogs, fajitas, etc.), or stress over social pressures, anxiety is undeniably common and often shapeshifts during childhood.    In addition to communicating with your kiddo about their fears, you also want to arm them with skills and strategies that will help them feel empowered in the moment. Here, real-world ways parents and therapists do just that. read more > cubby DIY My dear friend sent a collection of small felted hearts to our daughter, which she now keeps in her backpack. For a little touch of Valentine's Day magic, try this quick, no-sew heart DIY or purchase some!     live     Before and After: A Blah Basement Turns into a Whimsical Playroom Design entrepreneur Elizabeth Rees shares her tips for transforming a dingy basement. read more >     A Drab Austin Kids Bedroom Gets a Massively Colorful Upgrade with Custom Storage It all started with one great rug. read more > eat     5 Easy and Comforting Soups to Keep in Your Winter Meal Plan A delicious black bean soup, lentils with slow-simmered flavor, and more recipes my family relies on. read more >     My Family Can't Get Enough of These Healthy Sheet Pan Nachos As a committed nacho fan, I've spent years finding the perfect mix of flavors, colors, and crunch that my kids will love. read more > play     8 of the Cutest Bookshelves for Kids They're easily accessible for little ones — but also magical enough to capture the fun of reading. read more >     A Simple, Zero-Lift Trick to Get Kids Talking After School These two words will open up the conversation almost every time. read more > cubby finds: soft bins pom poms felt bunny rope ask maxwell What are your thoughts on the best things to bring new parents? I struggle with helpful gifts they'll actually want! — Amanda Dear Amanda,   I have a very strong opinion on this one, so forgive me if it's not within the majority's view. Outside of close family, who often help out new parents with purchasing the basic things you need to transform your home into a nursery, etc., I feel that the last thing new parents need is more toys, doo-dads, cute clothes, and clutter for their home.  read more > Maxwell Ryan is a father and was an elementary school teacher in NYC before founding Apartment Therapy. He'd love to answer your question: askmaxwell@cubbyathome.com ( trust us ) Help, I woke up Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences  View this email in your browser  Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home. If we've inspired you, we may receive a share of purchases made through this email. Apartment Therapy Media 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10013 ABOUT | CONTACT US | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE