Helping Kids Handle BIG Emotions




It is our job to help our kids learn how to handle BIG emotions.  The more out of control a child gets, the more he relies on us to demonstrate calm and soothing behavior.  When our behavior starts to mimic that of the child who is on an emotional rollercoaster, there is double-trouble. 

1.  First, we have missed a golden opportunity to help our child learn how to self-regulate and manage over the top feelings.

2.  We have just reinforced that behavior by providing an emotional fireworks display of our own.

Remember that a child who is drunk on emotion is not going out of his way to inconvenience you, but rather, is asking you for assistance.  Don't personalize!

So what's a parent to do?  How can a parent rein in their own emotions when their child is pushing all of their buttons?  The secret is changing what you think.  When you change how you think, you change how you feel.  And that makes all the difference.  For your child and for you!

Rather than telling yourself things that sabotage your child and you, such as, "Here we go again!", "I can't stand this!", and "This is going to be the death of me!", try replacing those thoughts with a new mantra, "I can handle this!", "This kid needs me to model calm!", "Here's my chance to help him deal with big emotions".

Parents, keep calm and carry on!  Know that you are in good company...emotional scenes that play out in your home are also playing out in homes across the country. 

What will your mantra be the next time junior has a meltdown?

Comments

Unknown said…
We couldn't agree more the importance of modeling the way for children through adult behavior. Great post!
Works like a charm, doesn't it?

Thanks for dropping by!

Wendy
Unknown said…
Thank you SO MUCH for this post, Wendy. I always love what you write about, but this one really helped today. I've been struggling with my daughter's tantrums for what feels like months and now get so frustrated that I definitely have the negative voice in my head. You snapped me out of it this morning, thank you!!! Always great advice...I just tweeted a shout out to you. :-)
-Gina
Gina,

Glad it struck a chord...and that it helps in some small way. Every time we feel frustrated, uptight and irritated by our kids' behaviors, we need to ask ourselves..."What am I telling myself about this?" Very often, I think, in being honest with ourselves, we will find that our own thoughts and beliefs exacerbate the situation! There is LOTS we can do to control our own thoughts...thereby impacting the outcomes of some "tense" moments in much more positive way!

Happy Parenting!

Keep calm and carry on!

Wendy

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