Language Skills Help Regulate Big Feelings
Babies, toddlers and even young children are unable to put into words their feelings and needs, much less manage them. We find this unthinkable. We feel hungry. We make a sandwich. We feel sad. We find someone to talk to. We are tired. We put ourselves to bed. They may not have the vocabulary, but our little one’s behaviour communicates to us those feelings and needs that are lying under the surface. To become emotionally mature, children must learn to acknowledge those feelings and meet those needs so they can thrive. But this is a learned skill. This is where we, as parents, come in. Give your young ones the words they need by labelling the emotions or needs. Notice the behaviour and tie it to the feeling or need. You are helping them connect the dots. Young ones often *don’t know* why they react the way they do. They lack the self control to monitor the connection between a need and behaviour. “Hmm, you’re rubbing your eyes. It looks like you are tired.” or “Your voice is very loud. I can hear how upset you are.” A small child will feel sweet relief. “Yes! Yes, that’s it! I am tired. Daddy understands. He will help me.” “Mummy hears me. She sees me. She knows how I am feeling. She will help me. I don’t know how to fix this.” Being able to pass on these skills takes love, commitment and time. Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions is here to help you become the best parent you can be. Let us help you raise confident young people who will go out and make the world a better place.