Everyone develops emotionally at a different pace. Some children can express a high level of emotional maturity while quite young and in some cases, they take their time to develop emotionally. But what is more important here, is when they’re in the process of growing emotionally, they need support from their parents to understand & manage their feelings. Here is an interesting step-by-step guide to assist in your child’s emotional journey:
Validate Your Child’s Emotional Experience
Teach & learn about how their emotions work. You might ask when they look worried or angry and show support by saying “Is something bothering you?”. Being concerned is the first step towards understanding what your child is going through. Let them know they are heard & talk to them about their emotional experience.
Associate Yourself With Your Child’s Feelings
When feeling nervous, we’re instructed to take deep breaths to calm ourselves. In the same way, recognize emotions when they’re easily visible. Identify by simply listening, talking, & sometimes observing their body language and behavior. This way, you can better assess their emotional state & help them understand what they’re feeling.
Take Nurturing Measures
Most of the time your child might get confused with their emotions and not be able to express them properly. If they yell after they don’t get their favorite candy, you should stay calm & tell them even if they don’t get the candy it is not right to yell in public. Staying calm can go a long way in showing your child how to behave. Guide them about their emotions & show them right from wrong by leading with example.
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