Managing intense emotions in young children, especially when they manifest as anger or frustration, can be challenging for any parent. Dibber International Preschools is committed to providing parents and educators with practical strategies for handling these situations effectively. With a focus on children aged 0 to 6 years, Dibber is helping families across South Africa support emotional growth and foster positive behaviours.
“Emotional regulation is a skill children can learn from an early age,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “By teaching children ways to understand and manage their feelings, we are equipping them with tools for life, allowing them to navigate their emotions with resilience and empathy.”
One of the key principles behind managing intense emotions in children is validation. When a child has a meltdown or displays aggressive behaviour, the initial step is acknowledging their feelings rather than jumping straight into discipline. Simple affirmations like, “I can see you’re upset,” help children feel understood and can reduce the intensity of their emotions.
Assis explains that grounding techniques are also highly effective. “For instance, the ‘Five Senses Activity’ encourages children to identify something they can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. This practice helps shift their focus from overwhelming emotions to the present moment, providing an immediate calming effect.”
Observing patterns and identifying triggers that lead to emotional outbursts is another valuable approach. “If a child becomes irritable when hungry, it’s best to avoid challenging conversations or activities during that time,” Assis advises. “This approach not only helps parents manage child aggression but also teaches children the importance of self-awareness.”
Dibber encourages parents to discuss emotions with their children during calm moments, helping them recognise the physical and mental signs of intense emotions. By teaching children to notice when their body feels tense or when specific thoughts accompany frustration, parents empower them to use self-regulation techniques. Deep breathing, counting, or taking a momentary break are all strategies that can prevent emotions from escalating.
“Children learn so much by watching their parents. When parents model healthy emotional regulation, they demonstrate that it’s okay to feel strong emotions and that there are positive ways to handle them. These shared practices turn self-regulation into a bonding experience and a valuable learning opportunity,” says Assis.
Through strategies like grounding techniques, validation, and modelling, Dibber International Preschools is helping parents and educators manage child aggression effectively. “Our goal is to foster an environment where children learn to navigate their emotions with confidence and compassion. These early lessons in emotional regulation lay the foundation for resilient, well-rounded individuals.”
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This article is incredibly helpful! Managing intense emotions in young children can be overwhelming, and it’s reassuring to see practical strategies that focus on empathy and understanding. The idea of validation as the first response is something I’ll definitely try, as well as the ‘Five Senses Activity’ for grounding. Thank you, Dibber SA, for highlighting the importance of teaching emotional regulation skills early on – these are tools our kids can carry with them for life 🙏🏾