We Welcome All Emotions

We Welcome All Emotions: Embracing Meltdowns and Tantrums

Hello Parent! Be it meltdown or tantrum: it’s all good. We welcome emotions with open arms because they are part of development. Let’s decode this together.

Picture this: a typical morning in our household, with the sun peeking through the curtains and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the air. As I prepare breakfast, our 3-year-old Ayush bursts into the room, full of energy and drama. I absentmindedly pull out a chair, triggering an epic meltdown when Ayush declares, “This is Appa’s!” Reasoning fails, and his protests grow louder until I finally convince him, after five minutes of negotiation, to choose a new and special chair for Appa elsewhere at the table. This extended talk is not because I’m a lazy parent but to show Ayush the importance of respecting boundaries and decisions. As we finally sit down to enjoy breakfast, I chuckle at the absurdity of how a simple chair choice sparked such passion. Parenthood, it seems, is full of unexpected adventures – even at the breakfast table.

Decoding Emotions at Wisdom Bright Kids Preschool

At Wisdom Bright Kids Preschool, we believe strongly in emotional regulation. We spend a lot of time discussing how to manage meltdowns. But knowing what to do in the middle of a meltdown is just one part of raising healthy, resilient kiddos. The other part? Teaching your little one what to do instead of throwing themselves to the floor and shrieking like a banshee.

How to Teach Coping Skills

  • Wait: Do not have a conversation during the meltdown. Wait until everyone has regained composure.
  • Name the Feelings: Recall the event and name the emotions your child experienced. Example: “Earlier today, I noticed you were so upset when sister took your fire truck, so you screamed at her.”
  • Identify Tools for Next Time: Brainstorm ideas together for different behaviors next time. Example: “I wonder what you could do instead the next time you feel mad?”
  • Practice: Practice the new behaviors together. Example: If your child says, “Ask you to help,” act it out. Reenact the entire scenario and show them they can ask for help without screaming.

Remember, progress over time is key. Be patient and persistent. Teaching coping skills is a journey, and you’re doing great! You’ve got this!

As both parents and early childhood educators, let’s bring up a compassionate generation where kindness is cool and empathy is brimming to the top. Embrace the emotions, the tantrums, and the meltdowns – they are all part of the beautiful chaos of growing up.

Warmly,

Akshaya L

Founder, Wisdom Bright Kids Preschool