Childhood Development
<p><b>How to help your child's emotional development</b></p>
<p><b>Create a safe space</b></p>
<p>While raising your child and ensuring that they have a happy home and are provided with all they need, you may lose sight of their emotional needs.</p>
<p>The foundation of a child's healthy emotional development is known to be established in their early years. Teaching your child about emotional skills will involve expressing how they feel, recognising when someone is sad and understanding that people have opinions and thoughts different from theirs.</p>
<p>Just like adults, children experience difficulties with their behaviour, feelings, thoughts, and emotions.</p>
<p><b>Help your child master emotions</b></p>
<p>Six phrases you can use to help your child express themselves better.</p>
<p><b>Hey, listen it's okay to feel what you are feeling</b></p>
<p>As humans, we often worry about not being "normal", and see ourselves as different from others and may have the desire to fit in. Young children in particular want to fit in with their family. Then, as they grow, they develop a need to fit in with their friends.</p>
<p>In this case, tell them that it's okay to feel whatever it is they are feeling, this helps create an environment of normalcy to their emotions.</p>
<p><b>How you feel now won't last forever</b></p>
<p>Help your child understand that emotions are not permanent, the intensity of what they're feeling will subside. By understanding this, your child will be able to cope with their emotions and avoid inflicting harmful behaviour to themselves and others.</p>
<p><b>Don't let your feelings control you</b></p>
<p>Introduce emotional regulation. This is to help them see whether what they may be experiencing is a life lesson or an opportunity to learn or gain something. Although we can't control our emotions, we have the ability to influence which emotions we have, when we experience them, and how we express them.</p>
<p><b>Let's put a label on it</b></p>
<p>Show empathy and encourage expression. Your child may not be able to name exactly what they're feeling. Putting a label on emotions can help them understand what they are going through and can make them feel better.</p>
<p><b>Let's think about how and why you’re feeling this way</b></p>
<p>Our behaviours often stem from emotions, so helping your child understand the link between the two can help them predict and regulate their behaviours and those around them.</p>
<p><b>I am always here for you</b></p>
<p>Assurance is the most crucial part of strengthening a bond and trust with your child. Assuring them that they’re normal and doing well, can help build their confidence in you and be able to confide in you without feelings of guilt or shame. This can help them speak freely from the heart.</p>
<p>To strengthen your child’s emotional development and social settings, create a safe space where healthy attachments, security and positive stimulations are formed. By doing this you will help them build friendships, perform better at school, and grow into helpful beings who show kindness to themselves and others.</p>
