Sometimes when your child is all wound up about something, whether it’s anxiety or excitement or energy, the best way to snap them out of it or calm their nerves is with a sensory experience. A bath or a shower is a good start; adding a popsicle to the mix, however, takes it to the next level.
Reddit user u/Bigglesmith explains:
Some time ago, I read a comment about someone’s mother giving them popsicles in the shower to calm them down and reset their mood. I can’t recall the post or the person, but boy has that tip been a game changer! Now, if I feel my kid is getting too wired or too sensitive or too anything, I suggest we have a popsicle in the shower and it’s like everything in her calms down instantly.
Every time we have a popsicle shower and I feel the calm descend, I vow to post something, just in case the original poster sees it and can see what an impact their little anecdote had on my family. Thank you, random stranger, for the most random and effective parenting tip I have received to date! My kid loves it, I love it, everyone ends up happy. Popsicle showers ftw!
TL;DR hot and cold are both so intense, put them together it just makes sense!
This works because they are engaging multiple senses—the feel of the water hitting their backs plus the fruity taste and smell of the popsicle. Also, the combination of the hot water and the cold popsicle cannot be beat; the popsicle cools you off as the water simultaneously warms you up—this is cyclical sensory perfection. There is no way to not be present in the moment when one is standing in a steamy shower, eating a melting popsicle. It’s instant mindfulness.
There’s no reason why adults can’t do this, too. Or maybe you want to swap out that popsicle for, say, an icy cold beer or a glass of chilled wine. All are acceptable and encouraged.
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