… a place where words can run free

Why:

Learn to release pain, frustration, and other difficult emotions in a safe way.
Releasing is step one for letting go.
Understand and build restraint.
Honor child’s words and feelings even if they’re unpolished.

Guidelines:

It’s ok to have strong feelings.
Use your words.
Play only with people who understand and respect this code (family, close friends).

How to:

When a child wishes to express something that might be construed as disrespectful, say “WILD KITTY ZONE” first.

Child needs to make certain caregiver hears. Caregiver needs to make certain no one in proximity will be offended by what is said, or take child to safe location.

 

Phase 2, YELLOW LIGHT GAME (authored with Gigi, age 5.75)

Why:

Similar to Wild Kitty Zone, but designed for when a child knows (s)he needs help managing feelings ASAP.
Designed to teach how to ask for emotional help when needed.
Reduce need for child to take emotions to an unreachable, out-of-control level, in order to get attention.
A way to say, “I need you,” in a way that will get a prompt response.

Guidelines:

It’s ok to be angry.
Use your words.
Don’t hit.
Don’t punch.
Be respectful.
Treat others as you want to be treated.
Use a nice voice.
“Try to let-it-out at nobody.”

How to:

When child gets upset, she says YELLOW LIGHT.
Caregiver pays attention immediately, whenever possible.
Discuss what child is feeling.
When child feels better, (s)he can say – if you want to stick with the metaphor – “red light” (stopping upsetness) and then “green light” (on with regular life).