8 Tips to Help your Children Calm Down

Just like adults, children get mad. When they do, their reactions and words can be ugly and mean. They tend to get overwhelmed by their feelings and lose their self control. A child’s inability to manage anger and regulate emotions can have lasting effects. It can also significantly impact their lives as adults. For this reason, parents should make it a point to help their children process their emotions and teach them how to calm themselves down. It may not be easy, especially for children with low self-regulation. However, you can make use of the following tips to help your children calm down and ease their aggression.

Go outside for a walk

One of the best ways to help your children calm down is by going outside to take a breather. Take them out for a walk and let them breathe in fresh air. Go to the park and bring your pet with you. It’s also a good idea to do some exercise together like running or jogging. It will help them loosen up and feel better. In fact, at least 10 minutes of exercise offers more benefits than meditation.

Take deep breaths

Taking a deep breath when you are upset is an effective way to calm down. This strategy works for both children and adults alike. Shallow breathing can keep us anxious and agitated. When you try to take deep, slow breaths, you will notice how your body physiologically calms down. This action leads to a calmer mental state. This applies to children as well. Practice taking deeper breaths together. Also, talk to them about how breathing can help them calm down.

Listen to relaxing music

Listening to a soothing and relaxing song can also help an upset person. Make a playlist of some calm and happy songs on your phone. Better yet, encourage your child to make their own playlist.   

Count from 1 to 100

Literally counting to 100 can help anyone take a moment to pause before responding with words they might regret. Teach your children this strategy when they are angry. While adults prefer to do this in their head, it would be better to encourage children to do the counting out loud. Have them recite the numbers until the end.

Discuss together what they’re feeling

As soon as your child has calmed down, talk him through what they are feeling. Discuss it with them and ask them what bothers them. Ask why they feel bad and what made them upset. Like adults, children have a variety of feelings. It would significantly help if they learn how to label these emotions at a young age. Let them recognize when they’re happy, angry, or upset. To help them, ask them questions like “Were you angry?” or “Did you feel scared?”

Teach them empathy

We can’t expect children to be mindful of how their behavior affects others. It is something we must teach them. If they did something wrong, it is the role of parents to make them understand how their actions impact other people. If they said something bad or hurt another child, ask them how they would feel if they were in that child’s shoes. Be sure to ask calmly. You don’t want to make them feel judged or accused.

Give them a warm hug

Getting a warm hug may not be appealing to your child but it can go a long way. Hold them still and give them a tight and loving hug. It will help them calm down and feel better.

Go to a chill spot

Does your child have a favorite spot in the house where they feel happy and relaxed? Do they have a favorite couch or chair by the patio? Bring them to that spot in the house whenever they feel upset. This pleasant spot could help alleviate a stressful moment. You could also use this designated place for discussing their feelings and issues so they will feel comfortable talking and opening up.

 Easing a child’s aggression when they’re upset and angry may be tough, but these tips can help you manage their behavior and help them calm down.

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