February Newsletter

Help us welcome our new student, Ms. Mishaela!

How can we say “yes” to our children's feelings and “no” to our children’s behavior? 

• Awareness! Our kids have BIG feelings! They are not able to process their emotions fully. It is age appropriate for our kids to have tantrums, meltdowns, and difficulty calming when faced with something upsetting. Being tired, hungry, sick, agitated, or sad will increase the difficulty processing emotions. 
• Validate our children’s feelings. Let’s practice telling our children that the way they feel is normal. Let them know their feelings are normal even if you don't understand or agree with their reaction. 
• Help calm the immediate emotion. Strategies for calming down: Sucking through straw, blowing out candles, walking, jumping, obstacle course, distraction, use the brushing protocol (if we have trained and educated you on how to perform). Sometimes a little attention, love, and hugs can also calm an upset child. Come to us for more strategies specific to your child. 
• Discuss and process. At this point, they may be ready to talk about their behavior. Talk about other ways they can express anger, frustration, stress without acting out. You can tell them how their behavior made you feel. If they are old enough, help them problem solve what they could have done differently and what they would like to try to do next time they are upset. 

This strategy for addressing behavior takes more time initially, but with practice, it is effective and becomes easier and quicker. It also teaches children strategies they can use when you are not able to be there. This also promotes a great foundation for open and
honest communication as they get older and are faced with even tougher choices.