Quick Insight: Hey Mumma and Daddy, as I get older, helping me with my feelings can be tricky. The ways you used to calm me when I was a baby might not work anymore. Co-regulation—where you help me understand and manage my emotions by showing me how—is a great way to handle these moments.
Here are five easy tips to help:
Acknowledge My Feelings: When I’m upset, like if I can’t pet the cat, let me know you get it. You might say, “I see you’re sad because you couldn’t pet the cat.” It makes me feel better and understood.
Match My Emotional Tone (Not Volume): If I’m sad because someone left, show that you understand by saying, “I’m sad too that Grandma left.” It helps me feel like you’re with me in my feelings.
Clarify What’s Happening: If I’m scared or confused, explain things simply. For example, if a loud noise scares me, say, “That’s just the garbage truck. Let’s look outside to see it.” It makes me feel safer.
Redirect My Attention: If I’m getting upset, try to distract me with something else. For instance, if I’m sad because a pet doesn’t want to be touched, suggest playing with a soft toy instead. It helps me feel better.
Use Physical Comfort: It can help to be held or sit close to me sometimes. Stay calm and take deep breaths. It makes me feel better and lets me know I'm not alone.
Navigating Emotions Together: These tips teach me how to handle my emotions and help me do it on my own. We will get closer and I will become emotionally stronger if you wait and understand.