Is Your Child Struggling To Control Their Emotions?
Does your child hold it together at school all day, but then falls apart as soon as they get home? They may struggle because of weak emotional control.
We are often introduced to children who find controlling their emotions such a strain that they just cannot deal with them until they are within the confines of home. The result? So many feelings get hurt and chronic tension chips away at the family.
Executive skills are the cognitive skills required to execute or perform even the most basic of tasks. Emotional control is one of these skills.
Children with weak emotional control are more prone than their peers to dissolve into tears or throw a tantrum instead of sticking with tasks they find difficult or frustrating.
Improve Your Child’s Emotional Control
If this sounds like someone you know, here are four ways to help your child control their emotions, so they can better handle the daily ups and downs:
1. Establish Predictable Routines
Regulating the environment can reduce the likelihood of your child’s emotions escalating to the point of no control. Predictable routines also provide children with the opportunity to develop autonomy and competence. Discover our tools to help turn your daily routine from chaos to calm here.
2. Talk About Feelings
Children who are able to understand and manage their feelings in a healthy way are more likely to stay calm in challenging situations. Sometimes, a child’s need to be heard and understood can often outweigh their ability to focus on the details of what may be the problem. In these situations, acknowledge your child’s feelings in simple terms, before attempting to problem solve. Start by borrowing or purchasing a book like this one that explores feelings to spark curiosity and conversation. For more ideas, you can visit our shop.
3. Preparation
We cannot always predict the future. However, if your child struggles with new things, a conversation with your child about what they may expect and what they can do if they start to feel overwhelmed can help.
4. Give Your Child Coping Strategies
Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or tensing and releasing muscles can be practiced as a family. At home, you and your child might also agree that when they start to feel a bit overwhelmed, the child can signal to you that they need a break. A Family Relaxation Menu can help.
Are You Worried About Your Anxious Child?
