Supporting Our Kids In Regulating Their Emotions

FULL TRANSCIPT Understanding Triggers: We all have triggers, those moments when our kids' behavior mirrors our own childhood struggles. It might resonate with experiences of not being heard or understood. Understanding these triggers is the first step in helping both ourselves and our kids manage emotions effectively. The Long-Haul of Emotional Regulation: Contrary to popular belief, emotional support doesn't end with the teenage years. The prefrontal cortex, our emotional control center, continues developing into our early 20s. Hence, our role as guides in emotional regulation extends well beyond adolescence. Tips for Parents: Pick Your Battles: Choose your moments wisely, especially when your child has had a challenging day. Avoid unnecessary battles, particularly around the dinner table. Pick Your Timings: Respect your child's activities and give them fair warning before interrupting. Check their basic needs and create a supportive environment. Get Close: Physical proximity helps regulate their nervous system. Match your calmness with their energy, whether by picking them up or simply standing close. Connect: After an emotional outburst, give your child 30 to 45 minutes for their nervous system to reset. Connect with them, understand their feelings, and discuss consequences once they are calmer. Stages of Emotional Regulation: Identify Emotions: Encourage labeling emotions for themselves and others. Share your feelings to extend their emotional literacy. Recognize Triggers: Help them identify what upsets them. Validate their feelings and provide insights into their emotional responses. Teach Self-Regulation: Introduce concepts like the hand model of the brain or other age-appropriate metaphors. Guide them in understanding and regulating their emotions. Top Tips for Kids' Emotional Regulation: Regular Exercise: Disperse stress hormones and provide opportunities for social interaction outside the regular friend circle. Breathing Exercises: Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. Quick and effective in calming the fight-or-flight response. Create a List: Collaborate on a list of activities they can do when upset. Options can include exercise, listening to music, or chatting with friends. Meditation: Introduce simple meditative practices like focused breathing or engaging in calming activities. Artistic Outlets: Drawing, sketching, or coloring engages a different part of the brain, promoting emotional regulation. Conclusion: Emotional regulation is a lifelong journey. By understanding, supporting, and teaching our kids to navigate their emotions, we equip them with essential life skills. Remember, it's not just about the present but also future-proofing their mental and physical well-being. Useful Links Sign up to our newsletter Waitlist for “The Resilient Teen Book” Waitlist for "The Teen Coaches" Get “A Parents Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid” Book Social Links Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Youtube Spotify Website