As much as we stress physical wellness in kids, it is time that their emotional wellness is considered equally important. The ability of the child to recognize, understand, and manage feelings effectively is termed emotional wellness. This process of cultivating emotional wellness in kids is dynamic and developed over time through experiences and interactions.
It is an ongoing process that the child goes through while being nurtured and developed, it cannot be compared to facts and knowledge that gets engrained. Living in a fast-paced world, it is of utmost importance that emotional wellness is taught to kids to manage their emotions or feelings with tools in a healthy way.
To thrive well in all aspects, build strong relationships, and be better equipped to face challenges children must be taught to be emotionally resilient. We as parents must use strategies to bring up kids who are good with emotional wellness and assist in creating a strong foundation for their journey into emotional wellness.
These strategies will help instill emotional wellness in kids in the long run.
Being a role model
We as parents or caregivers are their first role models. We play a major role in shaping their emotional well-being. Demonstrating emotional intelligence by acknowledging and expressing feelings healthily is the first step. Discussing what we feel and how we express, models how we emotionally express ourselves and makes them understand the safe space where they can express themselves freely.
The heart of family life is love, acceptance, and security which the child must understand does not depend on their accomplishments. Mistakes or defeats must be accepted and expected. A home that is full of unconditional love and affection is where confidence finds its way.
Nurture their self-esteem and confidence
Setting realistic goals: children when young need realistic goals that help match abilities with ambitions. Old children can increase their self-confidence by choosing goals with your help which also tests their abilities.
Praise them: Encouraging the child in the initial steps will make them want to learn more and explore. Giving them a safe space to explore, assuring them often through interaction and smiles will let them know they have your attention which in turn builds their self-confidence.
Being honest: We should never hide our feelings and let them know about failures. This will help them understand that mistakes do happen and adults make them too.
Avoid sarcasm: When the child faces defeat, talk to them to understand how they feel. They need a pep talk when they are upset. Assure them later when they are ready to talk.
Skills that can be taught: Empathy, communication, and self-regulation are emotional skills that can be taught and practiced. We parents or caregivers can provide children with opportunities to practice the same.
Resilience: It is the ability to bounce back from adversity which can be taught by helping kids understand how to cope with defeats, setbacks, disappointment, and stress healthily.
Individual differences: Every child is unique, wherein their level of emotional development may vary. Some children who are naturally more resilient may cope well whereas some might need more guidance and help. We must recognize these differences and handle them accordingly.
Fostering open communication: Open and honest communication is the foundation. This will enable the child to share their feeling both positive and negative. We as parents should not jump to conclusion rather listen to them attentively and ensure them that their emotion is valid. If this is done the kid will understand that you are their safe space to open up.
Emotional literacy: Teaching them different emotions by labeling them appropriately will help them understand what they are going through and how it can be processed. Books or charts can be beginner tools that the child can use to point out what they feel.
Mindfulness and relaxation
To manage stress and anxiety children can be taught simple mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Breathing, yoga, and meditation techniques will help them be more aware of emotions and handle them effectively. These techniques can be introduced in a child-friendly way.
Limit screens and emphasize outdoors
Excessive screen time can harm their emotional well-being. Encouraging them to spend more time outdoors in physical activities and nature connect can help in fostering healthy emotional well-being.
Empathy and compassion
A vital component of emotional wellness is empathy. Understanding and caring about the feelings of others can be taught to kids by letting them know about perspectives and helping them to look at the world from other viewpoints. Making them engage in volunteering and helping people in need will make them practice empathy.
Problem-solving by resolving conflicts
Kids must be encouraged to solve problems and resolve conflicts from an early age. This will help them understand what they need, how to make people understand, listen to others, and work towards their goals.
When we talk about nurturing emotional wellness in kids, it is a lifelong process that happens dynamically. It cannot be taught overnight. It needs lots of patience, understanding, and consistent efforts from parents. It is a complex world out there, so we as parents can give them tools to handle their emotions healthily.
Encouraging open communication, and empathy, raising self-confidence, making them practice mindfulness, and providing them a supportive space are some of the ways we can help them. But being unique every child takes their time in the journey of emotional wellness. We should be there to guide them and provide them with our empathetic presence, develop resilience, and help them lead a life that is fulfilling and emotionally healthy.
This post is a part of Truly Yours Holistic Emotions Blog Hop by Rakhi Jayashankar and Roma Gupta Sinha’.