Children learn how to understand and handle emotions from their parents. Instead of saying "don't cry" to an angry or sad child, naming the feeling works much better.
Helpful phrases
- "You seem really frustrated."
- "Are you sad that the toy broke?"
- "I am here with you."
Things to avoid
- Dismissing the feeling: "That's nothing to cry about"
- Punishing or frightening straight away
- Comparing them with other children
Once your child has calmed down, talk about what happened and choose together what to try next time. If changes in behaviour last a long time, consult a child psychologist.
