Have you ever had one of those days where your child seems to be riding a rollercoaster of emotions? One moment, they’re giggling uncontrollably, and the next, they’re in tears because their toast wasn’t cut just right? (We’ve all been there!)
If you’re nodding along, trust me, you’re not alone. Big emotions are a normal part of childhood, and as parents or caregivers, we’re often left wondering how to navigate these stormy seas. The good news? You’re in the perfect position to guide your child through it.
✨ Why Emotional Intelligence Matters
Helping children recognize, understand, and manage their feelings is what emotional intelligence (EI) is all about. It’s not only a critical life skill but also a game-changer for creating a calmer, more connected home environment. And here’s the best part: EI can be taught!
Through my Henry the Hedgehog book series (yes, there are six now!), I’ve been able to share practical, relatable ways to teach kids about their emotions. Each story focuses on a specific feeling, giving children the tools to navigate their emotional world in a fun, engaging way.
3 Tips to Navigate Big Emotions
💡 1. Be Their Emotional Anchor - When your child is overwhelmed, they need to know you’re their safe place. Stay calm and offer reassurance.
The Science: When children feel emotionally supported, their brains form stronger pathways for emotional regulation. This helps them better manage feelings in the future.
Try This: Say, “I see you’re upset. I’m here, and we’ll figure it out together.” Your calm presence helps ground them when their emotions feel too big to handle.
💡 2. Coach, Don’t Correct - When your child is crying or frustrated, it’s tempting to say, “It’s not a big deal” or “Stop crying.” But this can make them feel dismissed.
The Science: Naming emotions helps calm the brain. When kids can identify what they’re feeling, it engages their prefrontal cortex, which aids in self-regulation.
Try This: Say, “You’re feeling really frustrated right now, aren’t you? That’s okay. Let’s talk about it.” Labeling emotions teaches them to understand and articulate their feelings.
💡 3. Model, Model, Model - Kids are like little emotional mirrors - they absorb and reflect the energy around them.
The Science: Mirror neurons in the brain cause children to mimic the behavior they observe. If they see you staying calm during challenges, they’re more likely to adopt that response.
Try This: When you’re frustrated, narrate your feelings and actions: “I’m feeling upset right now, so I’m going to take a deep breath and count to three.” You’re teaching them how to manage emotions by example.
Bring Emotional Intelligence to Story time
If you’re looking for more creative ways to help your child build emotional intelligence, my Henry the Hedgehog series is here to help! Each book tackles a different emotion - anger, sadness, joy, and more - making it easier to open up conversations about feelings. It’s a simple, effective way to teach your child about emotions while bonding over a good story.
Build a Community of Emotionally Intelligent Kids!
👉 Found these tips helpful? Share them with a fellow parent or caregiver who could use a little extra support. Let’s create a village that champions emotionally healthy kids!
👉Want even more tips? Follow me on social media via my LinkTree for bite-sized advice, fun activities, and everyday strategies to navigate parenthood with emotional intelligence.
With appreciation,
Dr. Renea
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