Making sense of emotions

If emotions aren’t talked about and the causes understood, it can:

• cause stronger feelings
• become overwhelming
• create a feeling of being 'out of control'

Supporting your child with their emotions

Consider the following strategies when helping your child make sense of their emotions.

Keep an open mind and encourage the child to explore what works for them. Teaching to manage emotions may take a very long time; be patient and practice.

Communication

You can help your child or young person through exploring and being curious about the possible causes of their powerful emotional responses.

For example, “I’ve noticed in the car on the way home from school you are often red in the face and start kicking the back of the seat.”

“I wonder if that might be because you are hot and we need to remember to take your coat off before we get in the car.”

“I wonder if it might be because you are hungry, I’m going to bring a snack for you to eat on the way home.”

“I wonder if it might be because the straps are too tight, let’s remember to take your coat off before you get in the car.”

Keep a diary

Keep a diary and look for patterns or changes in behaviour. The diary needs to identify:

• the environment and behaviours of others
• what might be happening inside the child such as thoughts and feelings

Recognising emotions

Feeling the subtle differences between similar emotions will help them identify the right solution to manage it. This will provide awareness to help build skills in recognising and talking about emotional build-up.