Lately, you notice your kid distant, not eating well and losing weight. There must be something wrong that he/she is not telling you. You need to find out what it is before it takes all the good things. If you discovered that your child is having difficulties managing his/her feelings, it is time to step up. You should help the child cope up with his/her emotions because it is good for his/her psychological and social wellbeing.
You play a vital role in your child’s ability to identify, comprehend and express his/her feelings. Here are some ways you can help your child when it comes to managing his/her feelings:
1. Spend time with them
Children with issues feel lonely because no one is there for them. You should not let your kid suffer loneliness. It is important that you spend time with your children so they will know you are always there for them.
2. Getting them to open up
When you spend time with your children, you should talk about your feelings. This is to encourage them to open up. For example, you can tell your children that you are scared about something and you will say that it is okay to be afraid sometimes.
3. Labelling their emotions
It is crucial that you help your children when it comes to labelling feelings. You can help label their feelings by talking to them. For example, you will say “looks like you are excited for your field trip” or “looks like you are sad because you are not invited to the party”.
4. Do not reprimand
Never scold or reprimand your child for his/her feelings. Just let your child be for a few moments. If you shout at them every time they cry, they will believe that feelings of sadness or hurt should be hidden. For example, if the child is angry and throwing toys, you can say “I can feel that you are angry but you should pick your toys now and return it to the proper place”. Do not say “stop whining and return your toys right now or else…”
As you help your children go through their feelings, things will be better. Next time, they will know how to handle, respond and manage everything and it will continue until they grow up. Certainly, they will become stronger.