Just think about it, your family is unique. Each family member has his/her own personality. With that being said, take a moment and consider all the emotions that are experienced in your family on a daily basis.
I'm Feeling That!
love joy sadness
anger fear hurt
peace excited unhappy
discouraged impatient annoyed
happy happy content
Now, this is just a short list of emotions that both adults and children often experience. Oh yes, there are plenty more!
It's fair to say, when emotions are expressed in a positive way, home life can be filled with warmth. But when emotions run high, there can be tension in our families. Knowing how to identify, process, and deal with emotions is well worth the effort.
What's A Parent To Do?
Not only is it important to be able to express emotions, but knowing how to respond to the emotions of your children is just as important. As parents, we are our children's first teacher and role model. Remember children often mirror what they see us do.
This Isn't Going To Well | The Meltdown
According to Dr. Becky Bailey, Creator of Conscious Discipline, "parents often make the mistake of dismissing, avoiding, or punishing their children's feelings."
How do you respond to your child's feelings when he/she is having a "meltdown"?
1. Do you dismiss feelings as if they don't exist?
2. Do you avoid feelings, hoping they will disappear like magic?
3. Do you punish feelings because after all, your child should know better?
Surely, these are not the best ways to handle our children’s feelings. May I suggest;
Slow down, Seize the Moment and Teach! I get it, a lot goes on during the course of a day. But, being intentionally present with our child means so much. I'm talking about time, patience, and the wisdom of a Mom.
3 Helpful Ways To Respond to Your Child's Emotions
1. Put a name to the feeling ~ "It sounds like you're sad".
2. Teach your child how to deal with their feelings ~ "You're sad because it's raining outside and you can't ride your bike."
3. Assist your child with finding a solution ~ "Either you can play a game with your brother or watch cartoons." "Which one would you like to do?"
There are a lot of Emotions expressed everyday within our families. As a parent, focus on teaching your children healthy ways to identify and handle their emotions. Remember, when you avoid, dismiss, or punish feelings, you forfeit the opportunity of teaching children how to understand what they are feeling. Slow down, Seize the moment, and Teach! This is Next Level Parenting.
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