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How To Make Your Children More Emotionally Resilient
As a psychologist and mother of two wonderful children, I understand firsthand the joys and challenges that come with parenting.
My 4-year-old is about to embark on their pre-kindergarten adventure, while my 6-year-old is excitedly stepping into the world of first grade.
Balancing professional responsibilities with the demands of motherhood has given me unique insights into the emotional and developmental needs of children.
In my role as both a parent and a mental health professional, I have found that blending evidence-based psychological practices with compassionate parenting can create a nurturing and supportive environment for children. It is my passion to help families navigate their journeys with tools and strategies that promote emotional well-being and resilience.
Incorporating “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn into a comforting ritual for children and parents can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:
Emotional Connection: The story centers around the reassuring gesture of a mother raccoon kissing her child’s hand to provide comfort and a sense of presence, even when they are apart. This ritual helps strengthen the emotional bond between parents and children.
Separation Anxiety: For children experiencing separation anxiety, the concept of the “kissing hand” can provide a tangible reminder of their parent’s love and reassurance. It serves as a coping mechanism during times of distress, particularly when starting school or being away from home.
Consistency and Routine: Rituals provide structure and predictability, which are comforting to children. By incorporating “The Kissing Hand” into daily routines, children can develop a sense of security and stability.
Empowerment: The ritual empowers children to manage their emotions. Knowing they carry a “kiss” from their parent can give them confidence and a feeling of being loved and supported throughout the day.
Promotes Communication: Sharing this ritual encourages open communication, between parents and children about feelings of fear, anxiety, and separation. It creates a safe space for children to express their emotions. Just as open communication is a powerful tenet of therapy—building trust, understanding issues, and fostering a safe environment for sharing—this ritual helps children feel heard and supported. By practicing open dialogue at home, parents can help their children develop emotional resilience and a sense of security, much like the therapeutic process aims to achieve.
Reinforcement of Love and Support: Repeating the ritual reinforces the message of unconditional love and support from parents. This constant reinforcement can be comforting and reassuring for children.
By integrating “The Kissing Hand” into their routine, us parents can create a meaningful and comforting tradition that helps their children navigate challenging moments with greater ease and emotional resilience.
How To Modify These Lessons For Our Older Children
As a full time psychologist and mom, I deeply understand the preciousness of time and how quickly our little ones grow up.
It feels like just yesterday my 4-year-old was taking their first steps, and now they’re about to start pre-kindergarten while my 6-year-old is eagerly stepping into first grade.
The early years of childhood pass by in the blink of an eye, and as parents, we cherish every moment and milestone.
As our children grow older, their needs evolve, and so do the ways we support and guide them. While the foundations we lay in their early years are crucial, adapting our approaches to meet their changing developmental stages is equally important. Here are some additional tips designed specifically for older children, helping them navigate their journey with confidence, resilience, and a sense of independence.
Let’s embrace these precious moments, fostering an environment that nurtures their growth and prepares them for the exciting adventures ahead.
To modify the tips for kids older than 5, you can adapt the strategies to be age-appropriate, focusing on the specific developmental needs and challenges of older children. Here’s how you can adjust the tips:
Open Communication: Encourage open discussions about their feelings regarding school. Create a safe space for them to express worries or excitement, and actively listen to their concerns.
Establish Routines: Older children benefit from structured routines too. Help them create a schedule that balances schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and downtime. Involve them in planning to foster independence.
Encourage Independence: Give them responsibilities that build self-reliance, such as packing their own school bag or making simple decisions about their day. This promotes a sense of control and confidence.
Set Goals Together: Work with them to set achievable goals for the school year. This could include academic targets, personal development goals, or participation in activities they enjoy. Celebrate their achievements together.
Create a Homework-Friendly Environment: Designate a quiet, organized space for homework and study time. Ensure they have all the necessary supplies and minimize distractions.
Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage regular physical activity, nutritious meals, and adequate sleep. Discuss the importance of these habits for their overall well-being and academic performance.
Teach Time Management: Help them develop time management skills by using planners or digital calendars. Teach them to prioritize tasks and allocate time effectively for study, play, and rest.
Foster Social Connections: Support their friendships and encourage participation in group activities, clubs, or sports. Social connections are crucial for emotional and social development.
Discuss Coping Strategies: Teach them age-appropriate coping strategies for stress and anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or journaling. Empower them to use these techniques when they feel overwhelmed.
Stay Involved: Maintain an active interest in their school life by attending parent-teacher conferences, school events, and staying in touch with their teachers. Show them that their education and experiences are important to you.
By tailoring these tips to suit our older children, we can better support their developmental stage and address their unique challenges, helping them thrive both academically and emotionally.
Bottom Line
As parents, we witness the incredible journey of our children growing and evolving before our eyes. While each stage brings its own set of challenges and joys, the love and support we offer remain constant. By integrating these tips into your daily routine, you can help your older children build resilience, confidence, and independence.
Just remember, every moment spent nurturing their growth is a precious investment in their future.
Cherish these fleeting years and continue to provide a loving environment where they can thrive.
Together, we can make their journey through childhood a happy and fulfilling adventure. PS, if you end up purchasing the book from our link above, as a thank you, we’ll earn a small commission for our efforts : )
