Peace at Home Blog

How to Stay Calm When Your Child Is Stressed Out

December 2017 | Ruth Freeman

Are you ever overwhelmed by your child’s challenging behaviors?
Do you struggle to stay calm as your child escalates?

If you said yes to either of those questions, you are not alone.

Human beings are built to reflect each other’s emotions. When our children display intense feelings and behaviors, our brains naturally mirror those emotions. We start to feel stressed, angry, fearful, or overwhelmed just like our children.

When a child escalates, it is important to remain a calm center for that child. Though it may not always come naturally, we can learn strategies and coping mechanisms to help during these stressful times. 

Here are three ways to stay calm when your child is stressed out:

• Be Patient

Dealing with our children’s challenging behaviors can be frustrating and overwhelming. Practicing patience with your children can help them to recognize their chaotic behaviors and begin to mirror your calm ones. Feeling stressed as a parent is natural and okay, but learning to be patient will help both you and your child cope with his/her complex emotions.

• Understand your Role

As a parent, you are one of the most influential people on your child’s development. Your child needs you more than you may recognize. Being selfless in these stressful times and putting your child and his needs first is the best way to provide him with a sense of security. When children express intense emotions, they need parents to guide them and be present to them.

• Develop a Calming Technique

Having a personal technique to keep ourselves calm is beneficial, not only in parenting but all the time. Whether that be breathing, meditating, exercising, or something else, it is important to have a go-to strategy. Using that technique when faced with stress can be key in remaining calm. You can also help your child develop a calming technique that works best for him/her.

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