Helping Children Manage Their Emotions

Why it Matters

The way I help my children deal with their emotions shapes their ability to handle life’s ups and downs. If I guide them properly, they can grow to face challenges with resilience and confidence. However, failing to do so might lead to emotional repression or uncontrolled outbursts. My approach to their emotional expression sets the foundation for their emotional intelligence later in life.

How do you measure up?

• When my child is faced with frustration or disappointment, I always have to ask myself: am I encouraging them to confront these feelings, or am I trying to quickly resolve or dismiss their discomfort?
• Do I see my child’s emotional outbursts as opportunities for teaching self-awareness and emotional regulation, or as mere obstacles to peace and quiet?
• In moments of emotional turmoil, do I guide my child to understand and articulate their feelings, or do I feel overwhelmed by their intensity?

How to Navigate it in 3 Enlightening Steps

1. Acknowledge and Reflect: I strive to recognize and validate my child’s emotions, whether they stem from internal struggles or external influences. Helping them understand the source of their feelings is the first step in teaching them to manage their emotions effectively.
2. Reframe and Empower: I teach my child to view their emotions not as uncontrollable forces, but as signals that can be understood and managed. I encourage them to ask, “What is this feeling teaching me?” This shift in perspective can be a powerful tool for emotional growth.
3. Action Over Inaction: I guide my child to take proactive steps in managing their emotions. This could be through expression in art, conversation, or other constructive outlets. I remind myself that each step they take towards understanding and expressing their emotions healthily is a sign of progress.