Ending the day is extra difficult for children who are highly sensitive or gifted (or have autism or ADD / ADHD problems). The processing of stimuli is different in these children. Often there is a hypersensitivity to stimuli. That is, all stimuli enter equally strong and hard which can lead to chaos (short circuit). Here you can read tips and booklets that can help to end the day fun and low-stimulus. And get peace of mind again!

Tip 1: End the day… literal!

For many children, it helps if you literally end the day. The folder ‘day’ really needs to be closed in their heads. Write down or write down the things your child thinks about or worries about before bed. Preferably you use separate notes per ‘problem’. The problems that can’t be done about could then be torn up or put in the worry monster or emotion box (fun to tinker with your child). You immediately plan the worrying points that can be picked up with your child in the agenda.

Literally shutting down the thoughts in your head can help children. You can also do this with words. “Okay, it’s evening now, we’ve discussed what’s in your head together, now the thinking is done. The day is over we go to sleep. Tomorrow we will think again and make plans.’

You can also support your child by making a box with notes on which relaxing activities are displayed before bed. Have your child pull out an activity to unwind. (for example: massaging, meditation story, lullaby and so on).

Tip 2: Talk about the events of the day

Take a moment to talk through the day with your child and give the events a place. The most convenient is to choose a moment when you are also doing something together, while playing a game, drawing or drinking ranja. Give your child time to respond, drop silences. Your child needs more time to articulate the events.

Use open-ended questions: questions that you can’t answer with ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Questions that start with where, when, who, what, how. This way, a conversation will start sooner than if you ask your child closed-ended questions. Furthermore, it is useful to really ask your child some concrete questions such as: ‘What did you like the most today and what did you find most stupid?’ “Who did you play with while playing outside?”

When you are talking to your child, ask about your child’s thoughts and feelings. As a parent, you want to know if your child feels comfortable and comfortable in his own skin. Pay attention to how your child feels and what’s on their minds. You can find out by asking: ‘How did you like that?’, ‘How did you feel then?’, ‘How was that for you?’, ‘What do you think when that happens?’.

Another fun way to engage in conversation is by using images. Ask your child, “If there was a video of the school day, what would you see?”

Tip 3: Write off the day

The Face Book is a great way to finish the day with your child when your child is less of a talker. There are questions such as: How was your day? smiley or sad?

The Smoeltjesboek is a kind of diary, in which children can fill in how their day has been. It is often wonderful to ‘write off’ the day in such a way. what makes the Smoeltjesboek extra special are the short texts that can be found on almost every diary page. They are especially intended for children (and teenagers) who could use a helping hand because of their sensitivity, fear of failure, worry or insecurity. The Smoeltjesboek offers them recognition and understanding, explanations and tips, in a light-hearted tone and wrapped in a playful design. Because everyone deserves a smile on their face!

An alternative is the fill-in book Slaapklets. Sleep chatter lets you chat about today, look ahead to tomorrow, relax and sleep well. Slaapkchat invites you to let the day sink in with questions and assignments and tips for a good night’s sleep. At the top of each page are fixed questions: How was your day? What was fun, what was stupid? Are you looking forward to tomorrow? At the bottom of every page is a surprising assignment. From breathing tips and relaxation exercises to funny questions that trigger a fun conversation or a moment of relaxation before bed. Sleep chat! is a day and night book for small and large people. A book with questions and assignments. Fill out a page before bed. Write, choose, tick, draw, relax, laugh, read. And chat!

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