I’ll be there for you! (When the rain starts to pour…)
It’s hard to know how to soothe a shrieking child. The more you know about your child, the better you will be at comforting and calming them down. Give your child support and encouragement about how to manage stressful situations. One day soon, your child will learn the skills to balance emotions on their own.
From exhaustion after a playdate to pure joy when meeting a puppy, your child experiences many emotions. But your child is not a “feelings expert.” The first step in managing feelings is learning about different emotions and what they look like. Click here for more information regarding Identifying and Understanding Feelings.
Your child is going through some major changes.
Some of these changes are going to be great and exciting, and some are going to feel overwhelming and scary. Unfortunately, your child won’t always have the words to tell you what’s going on. So pay attention, stay calm, and remember that growing up is hard. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Your child may react quickly and impulsively to feelings of anger or frustration. Get used to hearing the word “no”.
When they don’t have the words, they’ll use their behavior to communicate. If they bite or hit other people, help them find better ways to express themselves.
Your child may start to develop separation anxiety, becoming fearful or anxious when they are away from you or adults that they trust.
It’s not ALL bad! Your child may also be very affectionate at this age, responding to your love with cuddles and kisses.
When your child transforms into The Hulk, don’t lose your sense of humor!
- Distract your toddler by having them focus their attention on a game, book, or activity.
- Praise your child when they are able to calm themselves down! Positive feedback gives them the confidence to use those skills in the future.
- A loving touch can be a gentle reminder that you will help them handle any feeling that comes their way. Sometimes holding their hand, rubbing their bad, and giving them cuddles can help your child feel supported.
Remember that it’s okay for them to feel negative emotions like sadness or frustration.
- You can’t completely get rid of your child’s negative emotions, and you shouldn’t try to. It’s okay for them to cry, get angry, or yell in frustration. Although they may not understand this now, as they grow up you can teach your child when, where, and how to express these strong emotions.
- Feelings aren’t “good” or “bad.” It’s what we do with them that’s “good” or “bad.”
- Don’t get mad or ignore your child if they’re having a meltdown. View your child’s behavior as communication, not manipulation. Acknowledge that your child is feeling upset and help them express and get control of their feelings.