Calm Yourself Before You Calm Your Child

Do you often say “Stop crying” or “It will be okay” to your upset child and get frustrated when he/she doesn’t stop crying or is in a bad mood? It is necessary to remember that, children are still developing the skill to manage their emotions and need your help to calm down when they feel strong emotions. Without your help or guidance, intense emotions could be overwhelming for the little ones causing them to get upset and irritated.

Is it the behavior of the child causing us to overreact or is the stress that we are already going through making it difficult for us to bear these tantrums or difficult moods of a child? When you’re struggling to put breakfast on the table, having some health issues, or having an overload of chores to complete, and your child comes crying straight from the bed, you end up lashing out at the child for irritating you. Most of us have gone through this situation many a time in our life.

Allowing your negative emotions to control you as a parent, will not help your child calm down. It aggravates the situation and creates a tense atmosphere. Calming your own mind first and thinking clearly is imperative to respond to your child and deal better with the problem. It is necessary to deal in constructive ways with your emotions and allow your child to learn from you. If your child sees that you’re struggling to control your emotions, eventually he/she will not expect a positive response from you or may not be interested in sharing with you, anything that’s bothering them.

Reacting out of anger and frustration won’t transform your child into a disciplined and calm individual. It could have a negative impact on the growing little one and make it even more difficult for you to have a better bonding with your child. Sitting with your child when both of you are calm, listening, and responding positively, respectfully, and with firm limits gives your child the right message you intend to give and helps you stay in control of your emotions too.

Isn’t it right to understand your own emotions and calm down before responding to your child? Do share your opinions in the comments.