Children like adults experience all kinds of emotions from a very young age. However, the way they express it is different. For example, a toddler knows only to cry, laugh and throw tantrums because these are the only emotions he/she can express. For an elder kid, feelings of sadness, deprivation, selfishness, pride, jealousy and many more. But the kids might not be able to identify these emotions rightly. Keeping these emotions to themselves even if its happiness is not healthy. It is the responsibility of the parents to teach kids to handle their emotions. Here are few ways to help your kids to control their emotions.
- Don?t Keep Them In A Bubble
As a parent, you may want to protect your kid from all kinds of harm, even emotional ones. While fighting with your spouse is not good, it is ok to let them into your world of emotions. Teach them that it is ok to feel these emotions and encourage them to talk to you or your spouse about it.
- Empathize With Them
When you child is upset, empathize with them by putting yourself in their position. Say things like, ?I know you really want that toy but I am sorry? or ?I know how hard you worked for your swimming competition, I know you are feeling upset about not coming first. But it does not matter, you swam really well and I am sure you will come first next time?. In doing so, you help your child deal with emotions in a controlled manner. Also, knowing that you understand how they feel creates a special bond and helps them express their emotions to you.
- Be Consistent
Children learn from their parents, you are their first role model. So be consistent with your emotions and in dealing with their emotions. Let them know that it is ok to cry or be angry and show them how to express them the right way. Punishing, grounding or time outs ? be it any form of discipline, be consistent. It is important for you to be patient too. You have to look away when they are purposely creating a scene, ignore their tantrums and reason them of their behavior.
- Accept Your Child?s Behavior
Not all children at all times become difficult. Accept your child?s behavior even though it is new. You child is exposed to the outside world through school, social interaction and media. Accept their tantrums and behaviors as you would their happiness. After an episode of crying or throwing things, sit with them and discuss their feelings. Teach them that it is not ok to throw things or hit their sibling. Teach them the technique of counting till 10 or giving themselves timeouts or going out of the room.
- Encourage Your Kid
Encourage your kids for their good behavior through words of encouragement, a pat on the back or a star. The one who collects the most number of stars gets a gift. Sometimes kids like to be treated like adults, try talking to them about how one should behave in public, when guests come over, at parties etc. Giving a gift after collecting so many stars motivates them to be conscious of their behavior and continue the same.