*This is a collaborative post.
When it comes to children, meltdowns are normal. But learning to control emotions is still something that all children should have the skills to do. Children don’t understand many things, so they are constantly being told no. No to doing things alone, no to wanting to eat something that’s not good for them, just a lot of nos. However, just because parents have to limit their child from certain things to keep them safe, it does not mean that their emotions need to be held back too. Repressing emotions leads to having little control over them, so when a child lashes out, it is most likely because they are unable to understand what is going on. This can be problematic when it comes to development and academic success. To lower chances of this occurring, here are some ways you can teach your child to manage their emotions.
Model healthy emotional management.
Adults also go through difficult times, with our tantrums looking more like a yelling match. Take time out to calm down and leave the room if you need to do so. If your child is unable to be alone, then do your best to stay calm in front of them. This doesn’t mean to act like everything is ok, it means to show them the right way to handle big feelings. Children love from adults. If they see that adults yell and shout when something goes wrong, they will learn to do the exact same which is a habit that can be hard to shake.
Guide behaviour without punishing.
Smacking and consequences don’t allow children to handle their emotions well and it is illegal to do so. If they’re aware that the punishment is something they are afraid of happening, they will grow to repress their emotions to avoid it. Punishment actually leads to misbehaviour as children are human and will reach their limit before someone pushes them over the edge and they lash out. Use positive guidance and help them process the emotion instead of resorting to shouting and punishing.
Help your child to feel safe enough to use their emotions even when their actions are being limited. Children hurt just the same, their actions don’t make them a bad person. Stay compassionate will allow your child to cry and voice their feelings which drives out anger and chances of acting up.
Try these methods to give your child a healthy emotional lifestyle, one that will allow them to feel in control of their feelings and managing them well when problems arise.
