As parents, we often look for ways to teach our kids how to manage their big emotions.
But who or what is helping us manage ours?
---> when we are so tired we could scream
---> when we feel guilt 'cause we snapped at our kid
---> when we feel so overwhelmed we want to cry
As a now "veteran" mom, with 24 years under my belt, the #1 thing I wish someone would've taught me early on was how regulate my emotions.
I think the question we need to be asking ourselves is this:
How am I supposed to teach my child something I do not know?
Because most parents today did not have an adult sit with them and ask them how they are feeling... or why.
Emotional awareness is the idea that you (or your child) can name each feeling you have.
You might say something like, “Mommy is upset the carpet is ruined.” This labels the feeling and can directly impact our capacity to then self-regulate.
When you are aware of your emotions — such as anger of a carpet stained by paint — it’s easier to control your response.
Without this skill, it’s more likely that you may "snap", letting your emotions dictate your actions.
Even if you’re upset with your child, mindfulness helps you respond instead of react --- listening to your child, and maybe even empathizing with them.
And when empathy and compassion are within reach, we can turn even big feelings, accidents, and mistakes into teaching moments.
