Why?
The “Filling the Tank” activity teaches your child how to check in with their body and their emotions – important life skills!
How?
- If it feels right for your child, start your child’s day with a short time for cuddles and conversation. This activity is called “Filling the Tank”.
- As you cuddle and chat, tell them that you are helping them “fill their tank” to start the day.
- Ask them to name people and things that make them happy as well as happy things that they’re looking forward to.
- Listen to them as they tell you about the things that make them happy. You can add happy thoughts as well!
- After a couple of minutes, point to different levels on their body and ask if the tank has filled up to there yet?
- Telling you when their tank is full enough helps them feel more confident and ready for their day.
- This activity can also be used in the moment when your child is having a rough time. You can ask them to tell you what level their tank is at. Ask your child if they need a “top off”? A minute of cuddles and conversation to fill up a tank that is too empty?
How long will it take?
The “Filling the Tank” activity usually takes just a few minutes. Sometimes parents think – especially in the morning – “We don’t have time for this!” For some children, the “Filling the Tank” activity will SAVE you time overall because your child is going into the day feeling more confident and ready.
Reading Related to “Filling the Tank”:
Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep, Debi Gliori
The Kissing Hand, Audrey Penn Book Review
Call Our Family Help Line 1-800-932-4673: Have questions about your child’s development? Want more support and information? Call our FREE, statewide Family Help Line and talk to our Parent Coaches or email us at familyhelpline@parenttrust.org