Joy Juice
At Living Wisdom, we use Conscious Discipline, the work of Dr. Becky Bailey, as a complementary tool in working with children. Two of our staff members attended a “Building Resilience in Classrooms” training with Dr. Becky Bailey this past October. Michelle Mall, our school secretary, was so inspired by the training that she’s been sending out weekly emails to share helpful tidbits. Below is an excerpt from one of her emails.
In her book Conscious Discipline-Building Resilient Classrooms, Dr. Becky Bailey talks about the idea of Joy Juice :
“Joy Juice is a combination of positive brain chemicals that create joyful feelings literally wiring the brain for impulse control and willingness.” Joy juice is made of oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins.
The connections that we build on the outside with others will build neural connections on the inside and give us this joy juice.
Looking to add more joy to your family’s life and help transform challenging behavior?
Add some joy juice!
Eye Contact: Eye contact means we’re looking in our children’s eyes and saying their name at the same level as our children. Eye contact can facilitate a deeper level of communication and understanding, as well as help soothe upset children.
Touch and Presence: Becky Bailey says, “intent walks in the door before you do”. Being fully present with each other and our weaknesses helps others feel our positive intent and empathy. Placing your hand on the child’s shoulder or head can help to relax a child immediately. This communicates to the child “I am safe”.
Play: Engaging in simple, fun games with children in a playful manner. These little brain breaks can be a great way to recharge the brain, uplift the energy and create fun lasting memories. Playing quick clapping games, word games, simon says, etc. puts us into an optimal state for learning which is ‘relaxed alertness’. This play with children communicates “Yes, you are loved”.
Loving moments of connection that involve eye contact, touch and presence in a playful situation are essential at all ages. (Margot Sunderland, 2006)
