🌱 Managing Emotions 🌱

In this newsletter, you will get....

• Feature Articles

• Parenting Tips

Feature Articles

In Six Ways To Respond To Your Kids’ Big Feelings to Jessica L. Borelli and Stacey N. Doan suggest some ways you can help your children feel more calm and less distressed when they are dealing with big emotions.

This video on PBS.org models healthy ways parents and kids can talk about big changes and how to talk about emotions that come with change. When talking with our children about change it is good to talk about the things that stay will not be changing. Along with the video are links to some fun activities that can help your children manage changes and their emotions that come with life changes.

Parenting Tips

Acknowledge and Validate Their Feelings

• When your child expresses emotions like sadness, anger, or fear, acknowledge these feelings without judgment. Phrases like, "I understand that you're feeling upset," can help them feel heard and understood.

• Create a feelings chart together. Use drawings or pictures to represent different emotions and encourage your child to point to the one they’re feeling.

Maintain Consistent Routines

• Consistency can provide a sense of security for children during times of change. Try to keep daily routines like bedtime, meals, and playtime consistent, even when other aspects of life are shifting.

• Make a visual schedule that outlines the day’s activities. This can help children (and you) know what to expect and reduce anxiety about the unknown.

Provide Age-Appropriate Information

• Explain changes in simple, age-appropriate terms. Avoid overwhelming them with too much information, but ensure they understand what’s happening in a way they can comprehend.

• Use storybooks that deal with similar changes your child is experiencing. Discuss the stories and relate them to your child’s situation. Check out our social media pages for some great book suggestions. Sproutlykids on IG & Sproutlykids on FB.

Encourage Expression Through Play

• Children often process emotions through play. Provide them with opportunities to express their feelings through drawing, role-playing, or playing with toys.

Model Healthy Coping Mechanisms

• If your child is experiencing change, most likely you are as well. Children learn by observing adults. Demonstrate healthy ways to cope with stress, such as deep breathing, taking breaks, doing yoga, moving your body or talking about your feelings.

Offer Reassurance and Comfort

• Provide extra comfort and reassurance during times of change. Knowing how your child feels comfort and love then being there for them as best you can.

• Create a comfort box filled with your child’s favorite items, like a beloved stuffed animal, a cozy blanket, or family photos. Encourage your child to use these items when they need comfort.

Involve Them in the Process

• Whenever possible, involve your child in the process of change. Giving them a sense of control can help reduce anxiety and make them feel more secure.

• Let your child make small decisions related to the change, such as choosing new decorations for their room if you’re moving or picking out their first-day-of-school outfit.

Stay Tuned…

Supporting your child as they navigate the emotional ups and downs of life’s changes can be challenging. Whether it’s adjusting to a new school, welcoming a new sibling, or moving to a new home, our goal is to equip you with practical strategies to foster resilience and emotional well-being in your child.

We look forward in continuing to help you learn more about this important topic in a second newsletter later this week.

Warm Regards,

Millie & Melissa

The Sproutly Team