Magic Stones Help Calm Kids

Today was a  hot and humid summer day.   While trying to stay cool inside the house, I dug out a jar of small decorative stones for my nearly 2-year-old to play with.  I had forgotten about them, tucked deeply in the top of the playroom closet, waiting for him to outgrow the phase of putting everything in his mouth.   I pictured him pouring them out of the jar and filling his dump truck, and knew this would be something that would keep him away from his sister for a few minutes.

While the small, smooth, shiny stones are a great play object for the tactile learner, the larger ones can also benefit kids who have a hard time settling down at night or simply relaxing after a busy activity.

In my pre-school yoga classes, I used these stones during Savasana, or the relaxation phase of class.  Once lying down with their eyes closed, I would lead a visualization such as this:

Relax your body.  Let your arms, legs, back and head melt into your yoga met.  Close your eyes and take a deep breath in…..and out…….again, in…..and out……good!   Let’s all relax our bodies after a busy and fun yoga class.  This is your reward for hard work!   Now, when you are all still and relaxed, I’ll begin the story…..

Keeping your eyes closed, imagine that you are walking  through a beautiful meadow.  It is a warm and sunny day.  You feel the warmth on top of your head, radiating down your body, all the way to your toes!   You feel a gentle breeze blowing your hair.  Stop, listen!  Do you hear that?  A bird is singing a sweet song, calling to you…”tweet, tweet!”   Oh what a lovely place this is!   Take a few steps more, feel the grass brush against your bare ankles.  Take a deep breath, and smell the sweet aroma of freshly cut grass and wild flowers.  What colors are the wild flowers?  What do they look like?  This is a beautiful meadow that only you know about.  It’s a safe place where you can go when you need peace, quiet or time to yourself.   Take time out now, and find a cozy spot to sit down, perhaps under a shady apple tree.  Ahhh!  That feels better, doesn’t it?   Take a moment to lie down and rest.  As you get comfortable, you will spot a small stone near you on the ground.  Reach out and take it in your hand.  What does it look like?  What is its color, its shape?  Does it have sharp or smooth edges?  It’s your special stone, yours to keep.  Hold it in your hand while you rest.  Finding this stone in the meadow today has made you feel like this is a magical place where you can always return.  Rest a few moments more, holding your stone tightly.  When you are ready to leave, take a deep breath and start to wiggle or stretch your body.  Gradually roll over and sit up, coming back to yoga class with your friends.

I would then pass out a magic stone to each child.  I remind them that this is their magic stone to keep, and by holding it in their hand, they can be transformed to the meadow, and to a feeling of peace and relaxation.  I suggest they can keep it in their pocket, their backpack or by their bedside.   Most kids are thrilled and want to compare theirs to the other children, and immediately share where they plan to keep it.

It’s amazing how a small, simple object can represent rest and relaxation, as well as peace and security, to a child.  You could lead a visualization such as this, or you could make up your own story about the stone and its magic powers.  I gave my own daughter a magic stone during a period of being afraid to go to sleep without one of her parents lying down with her, telling her it was a magic stone that would keep her safe and warm at night, helping her to fall asleep peacefully.  She  would hold it tightly in her hand and allow us to leave her at bedtime.  My husband enjoyed more time together, instead of one of us spending the evening in the dark, waiting for her to fall asleep.  Everyone wins!

Decorative stones can be purchased very inexpensively at discount garden supply stores, craft stores or bargain shops like The Dollar Tree.

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