Managing Big Feelings

 I’m reminded of the power of our listening and rather than punishment by this video a member mama sent in. It’s of her 4 yo who has been struggling with impulse control issues and some pretty big and hard-to-understand feelings since her parents' recent separation. 

Instead of hitting mom or their dog as she had been doing, after a week with her new friend Yellow Lion, this child was able to name and share her feelings instead.

Happy (yellow), sad (blue), calm (green), and mad (red).

Noticing and naming her feelings is compassion and self-awareness in the making. 

We can not threaten kindness into a child (or any human being for that matter...), but we can nurture it, with clear boundaries, tools, support, and lots of love. 

Here’s to a kinder world. Change just one child’s world for the better, and then sit back and watch the ripples.

_____________

Generation Mindful creates educational tools, toys, and programs that nurture emotional intelligence through play and positive discipline. Join us and receive joy in your inbox each week.

larger photo of blog article author Ashley Patek

Ashley Patek is an occupational therapist, certified lifestyle/parenting coach, and mama to four children; two boys and two daughters born to Heaven. She believes that parenting starts with us as parents and focuses on the whole-parent, whole-child, and whole-family dynamics.