Effective parenting tips
Parenting can be an overwhelming task and many times you and your partner may feel clueless on how to handle your child during certain circumstances or phases. This is completely ok and your willingness to learn to become a better parent is all that matters to help your child.
Dr. Becky Kennedy, Manhattan-based clinical psychologist and a mother of three has an Instagram handle with over 1.7 million followers, wherein she shares effective parenting tricks and tips to help you when you find yourself struggling with your child. Recently, Dr. Kennedy shared a parenting tip that she says takes just five seconds to do, and yet offers big rewards.
Here’s what you need to do
Kennedy advises saying to your child, "It can be really hard to be a kid, right?"
Kennedy notes in her video that hearing a statement packed with sympathy and understanding can help the kid realize that mom or dad is able to see their perspective. Often in a difficult situation, the parent may end up focusing on how troubling the situation is for them, not acknowledging that even their child is not in their best place. Understanding each other can help you bring closer to peaceful solutions.
How it works
"You are connecting to a reality that very few adults actively name for [kids]," she explained in the video. She adds that this helps children be seen and heard, which can ultimately improve their behavior.
What to say in case of tantrums
Whether it is a toddler tantrum or a teenager tantrum, responding appropriately can help you stop a tantrum in its tracks. Dr. Kennedy shares one useful thing you can say – “You really wish…I get that.”
Make sure you say it in a way of acknowledging your child’s desires and not in a sarcastic, eye-roll way of saying. These words help a kid “feel seen, helps them feel real, and helps them feel less alone. This builds regulation.”
Read more: 6 Fun ways to raise a child with great conversational skills
Other things you can say to deeply feeling kids
“Some kids feel things deeper, more intensely, and for longer than other kids,” Dr. Kennedy writes in another Instagram post. Here are some sentences she shares that may come in handy during a crisis:
- "Feelings can be confused and overwhelming. Makes sense they're so tricky to talk about."
- "I'm not scared of your feelings. That's why I'm staying right here with you."
- "You're a good kid having a hard time."
May not work for every child
Kids are not ‘one-size-fits-all,' and have different moods and temperaments, much like adults. So all tips may not work for every child but you can always try and see if this approach works well for you and your child.
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