Growing years can be tough on a child emotionally. It's difficult for a child to judge his own emotions, whether he is feeling right or it is not normal to feel the way he is feeling. So how do we make children gain confidence over their feelings? And how do we make them emotionally strong so that they can deal with their emotions in a positive manner?
Respect your child's feelings: Listen to your child, with full attention. This would encourage him to be expressive about his emotions. Your attention towards his feelings will make him realize that he is important, thus raising his self esteem.
Accept your child's feelings: When your child says he is tired after a nap, don't deny his state of mind. Or else he'll doubt his own feelings. Show faith, it'll make him express his deepest emotions and also more confident of them. It'll also make him realize how misunderstandings can be cleared through open communication.
Let him express his positive as well as negative emotions: If your child expresses negative emotions of jealousy, hatred, fear, anger, don't suppress his emotions by criticizing him. It'll make the child feel guilty and feel he is bad. The right way is to appreciate the child when he acts with love, sensitivity, expresses care for others and gently guide him with love and logic so that he can control the negative emotions.
Let your child face disappointments: Don't shield your child from feelings of defeat or from situation of grief. Let him confront disappointments in life so that he learns to overcome them and emerge stronger.
Set an example: How easily and successfully you handle your emotions would influence your child's ability to handle his own feelings. Don't act extreme, be open in your communication and express yourself in front of the child.
For your parenting related queries, write to the renowned parenting expert Sudha Gupta at
sudhagupta@mothersprideonline.com Selected questions will win 'Celebrate Childhood' by Sudha Gupta. HAPPY PARENTING Click below for more articles
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