Communicating Feelings

Do your children understand their feelings?  Do you take into consideration your children's feelings?

An important part of parenting is the communication of feelings within a family. Children should be encouraged to express emotions and they should be taught proper ways of expressing them.  Should a child throw him or herself around on the floor?...probably not.  Any expression of emotion that could harm us, others, or the environment is not a proper expression.  Is it okay to cry?...absolutely!  How about anger?  Can we allow our kids to show anger, or will we make them suppress it?  Allowing our children to express themselves is an important part of their development and an important part of how we build nurturing relationships.  Take these steps to make sure you are building healthy emotional foundations:

1.  Make sure your kids know that it is okay to express their feelings.
2.  Give feelings names.  EXAMPLE:  "You seem sad."
3.  Allow children to be a part of the conversation.
4.  Help them to understand feelings, what they are and why we have them.
5.  Use brainstorming to meet the needs behind the feelings.
6.  Allow children to burn off energy.
7.  Always praise your child.   (Bavolek, 2007)

Following these suggestions will assist you and your children in understanding and communication feelings and build that healthy bond needed for a nurturing family.

Reference:

Bavolek, S. J. (2007).  Nurturing Skills For Families.   Asheville, NC:  Family Development         Resources, Inc.