Emotional Regulation
All the fun of the holiday season can throw off family routines, making it harder for both parents and kids to stay emotionally regulated. Busy season or not, children will follow your lead in how they should respond to the highs and lows of daily life.
If you are not regulated, then you cannot help your dysregulated kiddo.
Children are observational learners when it comes to emotional regulation. Do not shy away from telling your child if you feel a little overwhelmed, then model taking a break. Running high on stress and emotions can make your kiddo’s behaviors seem bigger and more frustrating than ever.
Tips to help parents be emotionally regulated:
1. Pray
- Take your emotions to the LORD in prayer. Prayer is our weapon.
- God is not surprised by the frustrations of parenthood.
2. Heart Check (know yourself)
- Be honest about how you react to situations
- Ask yourself why you respond the way you do
3. Manage Your Expectations (for you & your kids)
- Are your expectations reasonable and sustainable?
- Is the expectation age appropriate?
4. Don’t Die on ALL the Battlefields
- If you are combative, your child will likely meet you with combativeness
- Put the relationship first and ask yourself if you are being unreasonable or if their behavior is warranted.
- Hit “PAUSE” and set a time to come back to the issue when everyone is calm. Relationship and rationality bring resolution.
5. Shift Your Mindset
-View your kids through a lens of grace, not through their behavior. (Ephesians 2:8)
Adapted from: 4 Simple Strategies To Self-Regulate as a Parent by Focus on the Family