5 Way to Sit With Your Child & Their Big Feelings

By sitting with your child and actively supporting them through their big feelings, you're not only fostering emotional resilience but also strengthening your bond and teaching valuable life skills for navigating emotions in healthy ways.

1. Active Listening: Set aside dedicated time to actively listen to your child without distractions. Encourage them to express their emotions freely while you provide your full attention. Reflect back their feelings to show that you understand & validate their experience.

2. Empathetic Presence: Be fully present with your child & offer empathy and understanding as they navigate their emotions. Use comforting touch, such as a hug or hand-holding, to convey your support & reassurance. Let them know that it's okay to feel what they're feeling & that you're there for them no matter what.

3. Explore Feelings Together: Engage your child in a conversation about their feelings, exploring the reasons behind their emotions. Ask open-ended questions to encourage reflection and deeper understanding. Help them identify & label their feelings, teaching them emotional vocabulary to express themselves effectively.

4. Model Healthy Coping Strategies: Be a positive role model for your child by demonstrating healthy ways of coping with emotions. Practice self-care activities together, such as going for a walk, listening to music, or practicing yoga. Show them that it's okay to seek support from others and that asking for help is a sign of strength.

5. Problem-Solving Together: Collaborate with your child to find constructive ways to address their big feelings and any underlying issues. Encourage them to brainstorm potential solutions & offer guidance & support as needed. Focus on finding practical strategies to manage their emotions & cope with challenging situations.