26/08/2021
When we use time out to correct negative behavior, what we are teaching our children is that their emotions and feelings are wrong, that if they don’t put a stop to them, they will be separated in a time of need.
What is really happening for children during these emotional breakdowns is their inability to communicate their emotions calmly. When we put them in time out, on the thinking chair or send them to their room, what we are really telling them is that we can't support them during their emotional crisis and that they need to regulate their emotions themselves, something that takes time and patience to learn.
So, what’s the alternative…? What children need in an emotional breakdown is support that is calm, loving and nurturing to help teach them to regulate their emotions, calm down and then express their feelings in an appropriate way. Sitting alongside your little one, giving them a cuddle if they need it or calmly telling them it is ok to feel these feelings helps our children to understand their emotions and gives them tools for the next time their feelings get strong.
Easier said than done you might think. I know it can be hard when screaming is at an all time high, toys are being thrown, you're at your breaking point and this calm and nurturing approach seems like a different world. What might be needed in moments when your stress is high and you can't give your little one what they need is a time out for parents, or chill time. Take a minute, breath deeply, have a cuppa, eat some chocolate and come back in the loving and nurturing way that I know you can.
Only you know what is best for your child so if these dreaded time outs just don’t seem to be working so well, try another method and parent from love and connection.
What is really happening for children during these emotional breakdowns is their inability to communicate their emotions calmly. When we put them in time out, on the thinking chair or send them to their room, what we are really telling them is that we can't support them during their emotional crisis and that they need to regulate their emotions themselves, something that takes time and patience to learn.
So, what’s the alternative…? What children need in an emotional breakdown is support that is calm, loving and nurturing to help teach them to regulate their emotions, calm down and then express their feelings in an appropriate way. Sitting alongside your little one, giving them a cuddle if they need it or calmly telling them it is ok to feel these feelings helps our children to understand their emotions and gives them tools for the next time their feelings get strong.
Easier said than done you might think. I know it can be hard when screaming is at an all time high, toys are being thrown, you're at your breaking point and this calm and nurturing approach seems like a different world. What might be needed in moments when your stress is high and you can't give your little one what they need is a time out for parents, or chill time. Take a minute, breath deeply, have a cuppa, eat some chocolate and come back in the loving and nurturing way that I know you can.
Only you know what is best for your child so if these dreaded time outs just don’t seem to be working so well, try another method and parent from love and connection.