How can you teach your little one to handle big emotions like anger, frustration and disappointment? Work on increasing his self control with these strategies to help him think before he acts.
1. Talk it out
Give your child words to use when he is upset. For example, if you can’t find your glasses you might say, “I feel so frustrated! Where did I last have them?” Then when he is aggravated, (say he misplaced his favorite book), encourage him to use similar words. (“I feel mad because I want my book. I was looking at it in the living room – maybe it’s there.”) He’ll learn to talk through his problems and be less likely to yell or whine.
2. Think ahead
Prepare for situations where self control comes in handy. You could say, “We’re going to your cousin’s house. Let’s think about what you can do if she’s playing with a toy you want.” He may ask to join her, or he could ask to play with another toy until she’s finished. Having a plan can help him avoid grabbing a toy or yelling at his cousin.
3. Calm down
When your child begins to get upset, help him find ways to keep his cool. For instance, he might take a deep breath, count to five, or draw a picture of how he is feeling. The distraction may be enough to settle him down. Once he’s used to these techniques he’ll be able to do them without a reminder from you.