Keys to self-control

How to teach your child to handle big emotions like fear, anger, frustration and disappointment? Work on increasing their self-control with these strategies to help them think before they act.

Talk it out
    One of the best was is to give them words to use when they are upset. Like if you can't find your keys you might say, "I feel so frustrated! Where did I last have them?" Then, when your child is frustrated (say, they misplaced their favorite toy), encourage him to use similar words. And "I" statements like, "I feel upset because I want my toy. I had it in my bedroom, maybe its in there." They will learn to talk through their problems and be less likely to cry or whine.

Think ahead
     Preparing for situations where self-control is needed will helpful throughout their entire life.
you could say, "We're going to your friends house. Let's think about what you can do if they are playing with a toy you want." you could help them work through it with their words like, you may ask to join them, or you could ask to play with another toy until they are finished. Having a plan can help them avoid running into trouble like yelling or grabbing the toy.

Calm down
      When your child begins to get upset, help then find ways to keep calm. For instance they could take a deep breath, count to five, or draw a picture of how they are feeling. The distraction just might be enough to settle them down. And once they practice and use these techniques, they will be able to do them without a reminder from you.

More than one way
      When your child is faced with a challenge, it can be fun for them to come up with more than one solution or possibility. stretching their thinking skills with these activities. 

Puppet problem solving
      This can be a fun engaging activity for you and your child. Offer a pretend dilemma for puppets, and help your child act out a solution. You could have the puppets say, "oh, no! I am mad! I have to many things to carry to school! How can I get all of my things to school?"

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