Parenting Hacks for Helping Kids Deal with Emotions
Dealing with Emotions: An Important Life Skill
Helping children express their feelings is essential for their emotional wellness across the lifespan. If you were raised in a family that talked about feelings as a matter of course, this probably already comes naturally to you. If feelings were squelched or minimized in the family in which you grew up, it may seem foreign and a bit uncomfortable.
However, we know that talking about feelings is an important skill because it:
👉Enhances communication
👉Builds trust in relationships
👉Promotes self-awareness
👉Helps in resolving conflicts effectively
Understanding emotions in ourselves and others, and being able to express and process them can lead to:
👉Better understanding
👉Increased empathy and emotional connection with others
👉Healthier and more fulfilling relationships
👉Enhanced personal growth
👉Increased emotional intelligence
👉Improved overall well-being.
The research is clear, which makes it a good idea for us to redouble our efforts to work on identifying and processing feelings with our kids. BONUS: Our efforts in this helps strengthen our relationship with our kids. They come to learn that they can rely on us for our help in managing difficult times, which means they ultimately can learn to trust themselves and have confidence in managing whatever life throws their way.
Here are some strategies to help children open up about their emotions:
1. Create a safe and supportive environment.
Make sure your kids feel comfortable sharing their feelings without fear of judgment. Make all feelings okay! We've a vast collection of supportive posts to help you do just that.
Here's a printable that helps!
Here's a post that gives ideas and activities that can help. {More links in post!}
And a perennial favorite: What to Do When Your Kids Scream and Yell
2. Be a good listener.
Show empathy by acknowledging their emotions and validating their experiences.
Get some ideas here: 7 Ways to Communicate Better with Your Family
You won't want to miss: 7 Skillful Ways to Help Kids Manage Intense Emotions
3. Teach children about different emotions.
Help them identify and label what they are feeling. This Feelings Finder can help!
Here's a way to help kids communicate about feelings when they are hesitant to talk about emotions!
4. Encourage open communication. Ask open-ended questions and engage in meaningful conversations about their feelings.
Don't try to minimize or talk kids out of their feelings!
Here a two part series on this topic alone: Part I and Part II.
5. Lead by example. Express your own emotions openly and demonstrate healthy ways to cope with feelings.
All of your efforts towards helping your child develop social-emotional skills matter.
They really do make a difference.
Keep at it.
We're all in this together. 💓
Join the Kidlutions Family
Until next time,
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