Supporting a Child in their Emotions

10 Positive Phrases to Support a Child in Their Emotions

Synthesis

• Understanding and empathy: "I see you're sad, come here, I'll give you a hug."

• Normalizing emotions: "It's normal to be upset, it happens to me too when someone says NO to me."

• Availability and listening: “How can I help you?”

• Validation of feelings: “You have the right to be angry and to express yourself.”

• Comfort and support: "Come, I'll stay close to you..."

• Acknowledgement of emotion: “I understand your emotion, you have the right and you are safe here.”

• Relaxation and calm: "Cuddle up to me and we'll breathe deeply together."

• Empathy for fatigue: "You've had a long day, I understand your fatigue, you've experienced a lot of emotions."

• Constant support: “I am here for you and I will support you.”

• Encouragement to express yourself: "We're going to calm down together and you'll tell me what's going on inside you."

Supporting a child through their emotions is a crucial and sometimes delicate role. Sometimes we feel helpless when our little ones express their intense emotions, unsure how to react or what to say. While compassionate support is a well-known principle, putting it into practice can be complex. Often, our usual reflexes override our desire to support children going through emotionally charged moments with kindness and simplicity.

To help you get started on this journey, here are a top 10 positive phrases to incorporate to support a child through their emotions. Each one can be adapted to add your own personal touch and your own intentions. These phrases will become your allies as you practice.

1. "I see you're sad, come here, I'll give you a hug."

   This phrase expresses your empathy and understanding for the child's sadness. It also offers physical comfort and emotional support.

2. "It's normal to be upset, it happens to me too when someone says NO to me like I just did to you."

   This sentence normalizes the child's feelings and lets them know that it is okay to feel sad or angry. It also shows that the adult understands how the child feels.

3. "How can I help you?"

   This sentence shows that the adult is available to help the child in any way possible. It also opens the door to a conversation about how the child feels and what they need.

4. "You have the right to be angry and to express yourself."

   This phrase validates the child's feelings and lets them know that it is okay to feel angry. It also encourages the child to express their anger in healthy ways.

5. "Come on, I'll stay close to you..."

   This phrase offers comfort and support to the child. It lets them know that they are not alone and that the adult is there for them.

6. "I understand your emotion, you have the right and you are safe here."

   This phrase acknowledges the child's feelings and lets them know they are in a safe environment. It also helps reduce their anxiety and fear.

7. "Cuddle up to me and we'll breathe deeply together."

   This phrase provides physical comfort and relaxation to the child. It also helps them calm down and focus their attention.

8. "You've had a long day, I understand your fatigue, you've experienced a lot of emotions."

   This statement shows your empathy and understanding of the child's fatigue and emotional state. It also lets them know that it's okay to feel this way.

9. "I am here for you and I will accompany you."

   This phrase offers support and reassurance to the child. It lets them know that the adult is there for them, no matter what.

10. "We'll calm down together and you'll tell me what's going on inside you."

    This phrase encourages the child to talk about their feelings. It also provides a safe space for them to express themselves.

Additional tips to help a child manage their emotions:

• Be patient and understanding. It takes time for children to learn to manage their emotions.

• Listen without judging. Let the child know that you are there to listen, not judge.

• Help the child identify their emotions. (Represent them, materialize them, and ask them to name them). This will help them understand and manage their feelings.

• Teach your child healthy coping mechanisms. This could include deep breathing, going for a walk, or talking with a friend.

• Be a model of positive emotional regulation. Children learn by observing adults.

Remember that every child is different and will respond differently to different approaches. The most important thing is to be there for your child and offer them your love and support.

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