Our environment and community as we know it, is after a long awaited two years returning to somewhat normal. Whilst we embrace the many changes that have occurred and the new practices we all appreciate (anyone else love click and collect?), we can overlook the impact the changes are having on our children.
Through the eyes of children, their behaviour will present itself in many different ways of learning from;
- tantrums;
- meltdowns;
- bad choices; and
- display emotions like shyness, anxiety and fear.
Being absent from an educational service has turned a child’s routine and everyday learning upside down and now as we return to everyday living we have tips and tricks to help your family adjust to everyday learning and happiness.
After all, everything is temporary and emotions are just energy in motion. There are no “bad” emotions. Children will experience a range of emotions every day from mild to extreme ones. Help your child to understand those emotional changes, name them and explain how each emotion feels in their body. You can continue to explore what behaviour comes out of those emotions and if there may be a better way of expressing it.
Here are 4 steps to help you support your child’s emotional regulation skills
Model positive emotional regulation skills for your child.
It should go without being said, but your child is almost always watching more than listening.
How you identify and respond to the stressors in your daily environment will be the best teacher and example when it comes to how to help your child.
Help your child be a stress detective.
All children have particular situations, environments or sensations that create excessive stress for them, whether it be a rushed morning and leaving the home in a hurry, loud noises, lack of sleep or hunger. Discovering our emotional triggers enables you to prepare ahead of time for greater success.
Teach the basics of emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence concepts are a huge part of emotional regulation and square one is making sure your child has a wide emotion vocabulary. Identifying emotions is the first step to working through them, so assist your child to label the many different emotions. Using visual tools is a great way to do this. Visit CharlieandPig on Etsy.
Explore coping strategies together.
After identifying the emotion, it is important to support your child to find healthy and productive outlets for their emotions.
Questions to ask your child, or ideas to support your younger child with their emotions;
Is there a particular space your child finds calming?
Where does your child run when they are upset or frustrated?
Does your child seem to calm with physical touch or appear to avoid it?
Does your child prefer to be around others or respond better to quiet solitude?
While it may not seem like during a meltdown, when you move away from being an emotional referee and begin to view yourself as an emotional guide, with dedication and development, with time you will begin to see your child putting the pieces of self-regulation into practice.
