Not every kid is the same and some youngsters are completely and utterly emotional!
Not every kid is the same and some youngsters are completely and utterly emotional! Through no fault of their own these tiny ones will become upset and emotional at the drop of a hat. This can be quite frustrating for parents as well as other kids who are around your kid, so how do you handle it?
Here we have some tips here to help you and your son or daughter:
- Keep routine and structure- If your child has a good routine or structure they will feel more in control and will be less likely to lose the rag! Once they are in their normal surroundings they will behave more emotionally stable than if they are away from their normal setting. Of course, this may not always be possible so you should prepare your kid for outings too.
- Prepare your kid for outings- Once you have decided that you are going out with your kid you should tell them and give them time to digest it. Now, I am not suggesting a trip to the shops but for example a family occasion where there will be loads of kids and some may be more boisterous than others. This could stress your kiddie out, but if they are prepared they may be more capable of dealing with it at that time.
- Distract your child- If your kid is becoming emotional try and distract them by tickles, cuddles or by playing silly games. Your child may be upset because another kid pushed them down the slide but you should encourage your child to be patient of peoples’ silliness. Tell your child that while they may not like being pushed that the other kid saw no problem and was playing. Refuse to let your kid dwell on the event itself and push them back towards the slide once they are happier.
- Make eye contact and remain calm- Kneeling down to your kid is great when they are becoming upset, keep eye contact and remain calm. No child likes to be shouted at because they are upset. Sure, a little scratch may not be a big deal but to your child it is so be there but also get them to jump back on the horse!
- Avoid triggers- After a significant amount of time and several visits if your child is becoming upset or emotional in a certain place perhaps consider avoiding it. There is only so much you can do to help your child and maybe they just don’t like that situation and why force your kiddie into it for no reason. You have tried but now, it is best to avoid the triggers for your sanity and your child’s.
- Help your kid- Never stop helping your little one, be supportive but pick your battles. If your kid is upset because their favourite program is on, it is silly but offer solutions. However, if our child is genuinely upset because a pal said something upsetting to your child, perhaps to be more understanding. In most cases, kids grow out of their emotionally instability and you may just have to ride this wave out!
Good luck!
Written by Emma Hayes, staff writer with Family Friendly HQ
