Helping your kids manage emotions
You know that moment, when your child realizes that they lost their favorite toy? We’ve all been there. Your child relies on you when they get overwhelmed. Don’t fear, there are many ways you can help them deal with these tough feelings. Sadly, there’s no magic wand that can stop your child from crying – but it may be easier than you think!
Did you know…
Children at this age can learn relaxation skills, such as taking deep breaths to calm themselves down?
All children experience ups and downs – from the excitement of running around the jungle gym to anxiety on their first day of school. Although it’s easier for adults to name emotions, it’s not always so simple for your child. Teaching your child about identifying their feelings is the very first step in preparing them to handle difficult emotions and situations in the future. For more information on how to help your child with Identifying and Understanding Feelings, click here.
Here are some ways that you can help your child tackle those pesky negative feelings:
Breathe in, breathe out
Have your child practice “belly breathing” by taking deep breaths in and focusing on making their belly as big as a balloon. Then, have them slowly breathe out, watching the “belly balloon” deflate. Practice together!
1, 2, 3, 4…
Have your little one count to ten when they are upset to help calm down. Although this will not magically fix whatever is upsetting them, it will allow them to focus on something else, giving their body and mind a chance to settle.
Time out!
Tell your child that it’s okay to give themselves a break when they are upset. They can go into another room to take a breather and focus on feeling better.
Coping thoughts
Teach them to give themselves encouragement when they are feeling down. Have them practice saying positive things to themselves, such as “I can do this” and “I’ll be okay!”
Problem solving
Use problem solving skills to help your child find ways to feel better. Click here for more detailed problem solving skills.
As a last-ditch strategy…distract
After helping your child recognize their feelings, direct their attention elsewhere – who is around, what is their favorite color, what t-shirt they are wearing today, etc. Once your child has taken a moment to calm down, be sure to talk to them about what they were feeling and what they might have done to feel better.