Expressing Those Big Emotions

Often our children make undesirable behaviour choices because the are angry, frustrated, worried, or sad.

These are big emotions and for little learners they can be a bit overwhelming and they don't know what to do with them. The default setting is often to lash out, shout, cry, tantrum, bite and so on.

One way to avoid some of this (and to help your little one feel a lot happier too) is to teach them some simple key phrases to use when they are having these emotions.

You can model these phrases by using them when you have the emotion (yes it's okay for Mums and Dads to have feelings too! In fact the more they see you having them the more they'll realise that it's quite normal).

So next time you're feeling angry, say "I'm feeling quite angry right now, I'm going to go and have some calm time." Then go away and do something that helps you find your zen.

When you see your little one trying to express their emotions you can offer them the language for how you think they are feeling,

"I can see you are feeling angry right now."

"I can see you are very sad."

"You look worried, how can I help?"

The more equipped children are to express their emotions verbally the less inclined they are to express it in other less-desirable ways.

Kirsty xoxo