By Elizabeth Ernest, LMFT, LCSW
A lot of parents tell me that they feel stuck on how to talk to their kids about emotions without making it confusing, boring, or like they’re following a script. Here are 3 simple & fun ways to discuss and practice emotional regulation without your kids even knowing that is what you’re doing!
- Play games. Games help kids with many of the tricky elements of regulation emotions. They practice taking turns, managing frustration when losing, showing empathy when another is losing, and following rules… all in one activity!
- Read books. Books are a great way for kids to grow empathy and watch how emotions can be managed. They put themselves in the shoes of the characters (a classic building block to empathy), and they get to watch their favorite characters model how to healthily cope with emotions. As a bonus, you can bring up the characters at other times during the day when you see your kid showing the same emotion as the character in the book!
- Make art. Doing arts and crafts provides a hands on learning opportunity. You can use colors, textures, and images to help demonstrate different emotions and stories. When art is done in a group, kids can also see how other people view and express emotions!
Are you looking for a summer camp for your 5-7 year old to build social connection, emotion regulation, and listening skills? The Center for Mindfulness and CBT is hosting a Play Therapy Summer Camp June 10-14 from 9-12. The camp will provide children the ability to build on skills with therapist support. This group is appropriate for children needing support with emotion regulation and sibling or peer relationships. Group techniques will focus on creating a safe and warm environment for children to learn. If you think your child would benefit from this group, click here to learn more.
