Almost two feet of floppy fun flew into the air, over and over again. The first time one hit the ceiling we sobered a little, but no comment came from mom or dad so we continued. Then, ‘accidentally’, another hit the ceiling. It was hilarious. We burst out laughing and couldn’t stop ourselves. Each of us swung our stuffed animals by the arms or legs, the toys twirling in the air up to the ceiling, then “thump” and the animals would momentarily be frozen in the most funny positions. Arms  and legs splayed out, twisted, sideways…it was like watching a blooper reel. We had just been given the toys that morning and it was such a treat!

Finally, our parents emerged and put a stop to it, at least four times. It was difficult to come down from the giggle induced high. Until what happened next. Our parents asked us to come into the living room, sat us down and told us we were moving. Moving?!? What did that even mean? I was eight and only knew this house, our land, our friends…I was scared. I tried to bargain: if we gave back the toys, could we stay? I pouted, I cried, I became angry. My mom and dad comforted us the best they could. Luckily, we were resilient and adapted to our new surroundings quickly, but we missed our home immensely.

Resilience seems to be a skill that comes naturally to most, but it doesn’t mean all goes back to normal after a difficult event (we are human after all). Resilience can and should be fostered. For children, parents and trusted adults must provide support and comfort during those difficult times. Each experience a child goes through has an impact and will help shape a child. For young children, identify and explain their emotions to them- all the emotions. Accept a child’s actions, when appropriate, or teach them appropriate actions. For example: Your child becomes upset and kicks toys when she is angry. Teach her to stomp her feet when she is angry. She will get a similar physical sensation and still be able to express her feelings. This is especially helpful for children who do not yet possess the language skills necessary to verbally express their feelings.

I kept my stuffed animal for several years, and often remembered the day it was given to me. It was a day of high and low, and the feelings of that day are still with me today. For this, I feel fortunate.

Photos found here and here.