Understanding the range of Intensity of my child's emotions

In this newsletter, you will get....

• Feature Articles

• Parenting Tips

• Activity of the Week

Feature Articles

1. The Center for Parenting Education has an article “Understanding Temperament : Intensity” on their website that can help you determine and understand your child’s intensity of emotions. Click here to read it.

2. Kirsten Weir, author of “How To Help Kids Understand and Manage Their Emotions” highlight the role parents have in helping children understanding and regulating their emotions. Click here to read it.

Parenting Tips

1. Establish a Safe and Supportive Environment

•    Help your child feel loved and secure.

•    Establish consistent rules and expectations. Children feel more secure when they know what to expect.

2.   Model Emotional Regulation

• Show healthy ways of dealing with your emotions. Children learn by watching how you handle stress, frustration, and other intense emotions.

• When your child is experiencing intense emotions, do your best to remain calm.

3.    Provide Tools for Emotional Regulation

• Create a list of strategies for your child to use when they feel overwhelmed, such as counting to ten, squeezing a stress ball, or listening to calming music, mindfulness or deep breathing exercises.

• Physical activity can help regulate emotions. Jumping jacks, running in place, relay races, dancing, riding a bike, yoga, or going on a walk are a few examples.

• Create a quiet space where your child can go to relax and calm down. Include items like books, soft toys, sensory tools, legos, coloring, play dough and fidget toys.

4.   Promote Problem-Solving Skills

• Help your child learn to solve problems by talking through potential solutions and outcomes. Let them come up with some ideas.

• Allow your child to make decisions and experience natural consequences. This helps them develop coping skills and resilience.

• Have a way to track emotions. Acknowledge and praise your child when they manage their emotions well.

5.    Establish Routines and Structure

• Maintain and talk with your child about a daily schedule as much as possible. Consistency provides a sense of security and can reduce emotional outbursts.

• When changes are inevitable, prepare your child in advance as best you can. Talk about and validate any disappointment with the changes and explores what to expect and how to handle new situations.

6. Practice Patience and Empathy

• When your child is upset, listen to their concerns without interrupting. Validate their feelings and show empathy. Most just want to know that they are heard and understood.

• Understand that learning to regulate emotions is a process. Be patient and provide ongoing support and guidance.

Activity of the Week

Calming Spot

Creating a calming spot for kids can be highly effective in helping them regulate their emotions. Talk with your child about the things that help them feel calm. Find a designated area that can be used as a calming spot or have a calming bag that can be taken anywhere and used when needed. Here are some possible items and elements to include in a calming spot:

Sensory Items

• Stuffed Animals or Comfort Toys

• Sensory Bottles

• These are bottles filled with water, glitter, and small objects that can be shaken and watched as they settle.

• Stress Balls or Fidget Toys

• Items like stress balls, fidget spinners, or fidget cubes can help children release nervous energy.

• Allow your child to include personal items that they find comforting, such as a favorite toy or photo.

Relaxing Visuals

• Soft Lighting

• Calming Pictures or Posters

• Aquarium or Lava Lamp

Soothing Sounds

• White Noise Machine

• Music Player with

• Wind Chimes or Soft Bells

Calming Scents

• Essential Oils or Scented Lotions

• Scented Play dough

Activities and Tools

• Books

• Include a selection of calming stories or picture books. Books about emotions can also be helpful.

• Coloring Books and Crayons

• Mindfulness or Relaxation Cards

• These cards can guide children through breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, or positive affirmations.

• Puzzles or Quiet Games

Guidelines and Use

• Talk to your child about the purpose of the calming spot and how it can help them feel better.

• Encourage your child to use the calming spot regularly, not just when they are upset, to create a habit of self-soothing.

• Ensure the spot is in a quiet area where your child can have some privacy and not be disturbed.

Creating a calming spot with these elements can provide a safe and comforting space for your child to retreat to when they need to regulate their emotions.