Children are small for only a short time, so it's essential to build strong, trusting connections with them. These bonds help children feel secure and understood, leading to better behavior and positive self-expression. When children know they are valued, they thrive emotionally and socially.
Updated: 5 days ago
As parents, it can be triggering to hear our children crying. Instinctively, we want it to stop. However, we must take a moment to explore why we feel this way.
When our children express their emotions, it can evoke strong feelings in us. Often, we may feel anxious or overwhelmed. These feelings are completely normal. By acknowledging them, we can better serve our children's emotional needs.
In the heat of the moment, when our children are crying, it’s essential to validate their feelings. Instead of reacting immediately, we can take a deep breath. This small pause helps us gather our thoughts and approach the situation more empathetically.
Validating our children's emotions is crucial. It helps them feel understood and supported. When we dismiss their feelings, they might feel alienated or ignored.
Instead, we should use simple phrases like, "I see you're upset," or "It's okay to feel sad." These statements help our children learn that expressing their emotions is safe. Furthermore, it teaches them how to handle their feelings.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to maintain composure while our children are crying. Here are a few strategies you can use to cope:
Breathe Deeply: Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. This can help calm your racing heart and clear your mind.
Take a Break: If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to step away for a moment. Just a few seconds can make a difference.
Seek Support: Talk to other parents or friends who might share similar experiences. Sometimes, simply knowing that you’re not alone can relieve some of the stress.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize time for yourself. Whether it’s reading a book or enjoying a cup of tea, you need moments to recharge.
Learn About Child Development: Understanding the developmental stages can empower parents. Knowing what to expect can ease anxiety and enhance your parenting approach.
Engaging with your child during moments of distress can strengthen your bond. It’s in these vulnerable moments that children learn they can depend on you.
Try to remain patient. Your child’s tears may not be about something insignificant. Just like adults, children experience complex emotions too.
Parenting is indeed a great adventure. With the right tools and support, we can navigate through emotional highs and lows. Groups like CHUMS are available to help guide you through life’s greatest adventure. We offer resources for understanding your child better and coping with your emotions.
If you'd like to explore more about this journey, visit CHUMS.
Remember, you are not alone in this. Together, we can create an environment of emotional awareness and support for our children.
"Parenting: One Week at a Time, One Lesson at a Time" is a new CHUMS feature that highlights the rewarding yet challenging journey of raising young children, particularly during the vibrant preschool years, where the mind blossoms and undergoes profound transformations. During this phase, your little ones brim with boundless energy and insatiable curiosity, leading them on adventures that can be wondrous or, at times, a bit unpredictable and chaotic. Establishing limits and boundaries is crucial for their development. But don’t worry; you don’t have to navigate this journey on your own. We are here to guide you!
Starting today, we’ll share weekly insights and tips designed to help you support your preschooler gracefully while building a strong, trusting relationship with your child. Our first highlight is the well-known Conscious Discipline, a method we frequently utilize here at CHUMS for classroom management and fostering connections. Not familiar with it?
Conscious Discipline is a holistic approach that combines social-emotional learning, discipline, and self-regulation. It teaches children about their big emotions and how to capably (for a preschooler) deal with them. We employ these practices daily with your children and want to share with you. Conscious Discipline’s four key components include:
• Brain State Model: Understanding how emotions impact behavior.
• Seven Powers for Conscious Adults: Transforming discipline into opportunities for skill-building.
• Creating the School Family: Fostering compassionate connections.
• Seven Skills of Discipline: Utilizing social-emotional learning for problem-solving.
With a focus on safety, connection, and problem-solving, Conscious Discipline equips children and parents with invaluable tools. To learn more about Conscious Discipline, visit their website at www.consciousdiscipline.com
CHUMS: Here to Help Guide You Through Life’s Greatest Adventure.
