Back to Life, Back to Reality
The transition out of summer and back to school and reality can be challenging for kids (toddlers to teenagers) and parents alike. We can find ourselves feeling super stressed out and far more emotionally vulnerable as we settle into our “new normal” for the year ahead. As kids work through the transition, we can support them and maintain a calmer household by keeping our cool. Easier said than done? Try these six simple steps the next time you observe your kid’s emotions starting to escalate:
Take a few slooow, deep belly breaths before saying or doing anything.
Name the feeling. For example, “I’m overwhelmed right now as both kids are demanding something from me.”
Use self-validation and encouragement. For example, “This is really hard right now and I will get through it.”
Take a short break if needed, even if just to step into another room or take a lap around the floor before returning to the situation.
Once the “crisis” is averted, do whatever you need to reduce your own emotional vulnerability.
Applaud yourself for not contributing to the chaos, and for modeling effective emotion regulation for your kids. Way to go!
