4 Ways to Quiet a Busy Moment With “Donkey Hodie”

When Donkey Hodie promises to help Grampy Hodie while she commits to having a Bubble Bonanza with Purple Panda, she finds herself in a “Donkey Dilemma.” Flustered in a busy moment, Donkey reminds herself to take three deep breaths to reset her body and mind.

Much like Donkey, busy moments can prompt big feelings for kids — and adults, too. It might be a hectic morning routine, an overstimulating birthday party, or an unexpected crowd at the normally quiet library that causes us to feel overwhelmed. Reset these moments with your child by finding the quiet together — small moments to be still, listen, observe, and breathe.

Here are four hee-hawesome ways to find the quiet in busy moments, inspired by “Donkey Hodie.”

When Rockstar Penguin needs a quiet space for songwriting, Donkey Hodie and her pals play a quiet game. Duck Duck wins the Quiet Crown for whispering the longest! Play Donkey’s quiet game to reset a busy moment or when going somewhere that requires softer voices, like a library.

During busy moments, you might consider playing the “Take a Deep Breath” song on your phone, tablet, or other device. Encourage your child to sing with Clyde the Cloud as they practice “breathing in deep down to their tummy.” Taking three deep breaths during busy moments signals our body’s nervous system to calm down. And you might just find that it helps you with your own emotions, too!

When we pause to notice our surroundings, we become calmer, resulting in more quiet minds and bodies. In a busy moment, ask your child to look around for a particular color or use their senses to identify one thing they see, feel, hear, and smell.

Sharing a story can help children who are feeling anxious reset their emotions. Consider carrying a small book with you or watching a PBS KIDS read-along video on a device. (Donkey and her pals also enjoy sharing quiet reading times together!)

Finding quiet in a busy moment is a new skill for young children to learn. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• It may take time! It can be challenging for young children to quiet their bodies and voices at first. Like any new skill, it takes time. Encourage small steps and celebrate progress in the process.
• Practice quiet strategies during calm moments. Practice ways to get quiet during regular routines when emotions are not heightened. This can help build your child’s confidence in calming down. When a busy moment arises, they can remember what they practiced!
• Create a quiet warm-up. To remind themselves to quiet down, Duck Duck flaps her wings and Purple Panda taps his head. Sometimes Donkey quietly reminds herself, “Use your quiet voice, Donkey.” Come up with a family warm-up routine to practice moving to a quiet setting.
• Special occasions can bring big emotions. Special occasions — like holidays and big gatherings — can bring stress for young children — and adults, too! Routines are different, expectations are high, and people and places are new. When a big day is coming, clearly share what will happen and what to expect to help children feel less overwhelmed. Also, reminding them more than once before the big event can help kids understand what to expect and give them time to process. Try adding small moments of quiet throughout the day to help reset their emotions.

Want more “Donkey Hodie” activities? Check out the How to Make a Glitter Jar To Help Kids Stay Calm.