In the process of growing up, young children often experience many levels of emotions from joy, excitement to sadness, disappointment or anger. Parents early equip their children with emotional control skills to help them form self-control and be ready to face challenges in life.
Help your child call out their emotions
When children can accurately name the emotions they are experiencing, it will help them understand and accept them. Parents should pay attention by asking simple questions such as: "How do you feel?", "What makes you angry?".
This is a way to help children share their thoughts and describe their feelings at that time. This helps parents understand clearly and give accurate directions and advice to their children.
Teaching children techniques to soothe emotions
Some simple techniques such as deep breathing or gentle exercise can help children soothe their stressed nervous system. Parents can practice breathing with their children and encourage them to participate in gentle activities such as cycling and painting to effectively shift away from negative emotions.
Create a safe space
When children feel understanding and safety, they will easily express their feelings. Parents should also take time to listen to their children tell stories and share about their day. Talking and asking about children will help children understand that family is always a safe place where there is support and companionship whenever children encounter difficulties.
Set behavioral limits
Setting behavioral limits will help children understand that they need to be responsible for their actions and emotions. Parents should always remind their children to control their emotions or negative actions so that children learn to grow up and know how to behave properly in life.
Set an example for your child
Young children often learn and imitate adults' behaviors in life. Therefore, be a role model for your children in daily actions and behaviors. A positive role model will help children learn how to solve problems and know how to take responsibility in life.
When facing difficulties, parents also show calmness and show their children how to control their emotions, for example: "Mom is stressed because of work, but Mom will take a few deep breaths to regain her composure. Everything will be fine".
