My daughter burst into tears because I folded her slice of bread. That’s it. That was the offense.
I stared at her, confused - and admittedly a little annoyed. But then I got a phone notification: someone had just commented on an old post of mine - “6 things to say when your child is crying.”
I had to laugh. Here I was, author of said post, needing my own reminder 😂
I walked over, gave her a hug, and let her cry it out in my arms. It worked like a charm. A couple minutes later, she quietly walked over and ate the bread. Still folded.
The truth is, being emotionally available to our kids isn’t always easy - especially when we’re juggling work, stress, and exhaustion. But in those moments, if we can pause first, we can respond with empathy instead of reacting with frustration.
Sometimes, our little kids don’t need logic. They actually, developmentally speaking, cannot comprehend it.
They just need us - to listen, to hold space, to show that their feelings are valid.
Remember, validating a child's feelings doesn't mean you're endorsing or approving their behavior. It simply means acknowledging and accepting their emotional experience, which can go a very long way for them.
For bite-sized tips to support your kids emotionally and stay connected, check out Daily Gems
"Daily Gems" is for every parent who wants to deepen their connection with their children and create a home environment brimming with love, understanding, and fun. Whether you're a new parent feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of your role or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, this book will light your way.