On Wednesday, March 18, PS 217 and NYU LINCs brought to PS217 a great workshop about emotions, feelings, frustrations, tantrums and how to deal with them every day. Our speaker, Maite, shared many fascinating ideas. Here’s a quick summary of what was discussed plus a few tips you might find useful:
- Model Behavior: Be mindful of how you and your family members express and regulate emotions. Children will follow on your footsteps. We cannot demand patience if we as parents do not show it. Allow your child to watch you manage your own feelings.
- Avoid Misbehaviors: Children must know what behaviors are expected from them. Make a list of rules and guidelines for your child to follow. Disciplining children for breaking rules that are not established can be emotionally distressing for them. Be clear.
- Encourage Expression of Feelings: Never dismiss or underestimate your child’s feelings. Remind them that it is perfectly acceptable to cry, feel angry, be scared, etc.
- Label Emotions: Teach your child emotional vocabulary. They should be able to clearly express when they are feeling sad, mad, scared, happy, frustrated, confused.
- Use Calming Techniques: Give your child a set of techniques and tools that will teach them to self-soothe:
- Breathing Exercises: Teach your child to take deep breaths for at least a minute when feeling anxious or stressed.
- Physical Activity: Activities such as dancing and stretching can release the physical discomforts that may come with anger or stress. It also allows the child to focus on a fun activity.
- Self-Talk: Children can be tough on themselves. Children should remind themselves of their own positive attributes. Help them build their confidence.
- Praise: Acknowledge your child’s efforts of managing and channeling their emotions. Doing so is not easy, even for adults. They should feel encouraged and motivated to continue on their quest to become masters of their emotions.