BIG Emotions
"It's easier to raise strong children than fix broken men."
As the holiday season approaches and we are forced to be indoors more, emotions might run high and come out in unexpected ways. Hopefully, this information will help teach your child how to regulate themselves better and keep peace in your home.
One of the challenges from a previous week was to, “Tell your child what that evidence says about them- they have self-control, are patient, resilient, helpful, honest, etc.” with the goal of your child having the ability to identify their own greatness. This is Stand 2, “Absolutely YES!” in NHA speak.
Working in tangent is Stand 3, “Absolutely Clear!” with a focus on the “reset”. The goal of a reset is to provide children with clear boundaries AND teach them how to “read” their bodies, emotions, make appropriate adjustments (use strategies) moving forward, and eventually reset themselves. Many times, resets can be used to help children work through BIG emotions in order to develop more resilience.
Disney’s movie, Inside Out, is an excellent entry point for helping to teach your child about the variety of emotions. The movie’s main characters are the five BIG emotions- joy, disgust, fear, sadness, and anger. It’s so important that children know that none of these are good or bad, about the variations in each, and strategies to work through them when they seem unmanageable.
Enter the reset. AKA...the teachable moment.
When you see your child about to cross a boundary (behavioral or emotional) say, “Reset” with very low energy. The word signals that you notice their behavior warrants an examination on their part and they need to course correct.
If it's a big emotion it might look like this:
“I notice that your hands are clenched and you are holding your breath (behavior). I do those things when I’m angry (emotion). It helps me to close my eyes and take deep breaths when I’m feeling that way (strategy).”
Follow this up with an acknowledgment of their success in resetting themselves and getting back into the game. This specific language will help your child understand that emotions are not scary, everyone has them, and the specific tools to protect their mental health.
Stay safe and healthy!
To you and your child's Significance, Humanity & GREATNESS!!!!
Amy
Amy Ruck, Inclusion Support Teacher 6th-12th Grade
Sara Jane Lee, Inclusion Support Teacher 4K-5th Grade
Karla Cornell-Wevley, 8th Grade ELA Teacher
Maggie Heck- HS Business Teacher
(All NHA Certified Trainers)