We can't expect children to be able to manage their emotions from the get-go. They will cry at wit's end, they won't express how they feel with their words, they will be self-centered, they will have trouble processing all the rage of feelings that they have, sometimes they might even be physically violent. When your kid is acting like this, it's easy to panic. But these are actions that can be changed--you can train them to be more gentle and able to manage and process all the emotions that they have. As parents, we have that responsibility but it's easier said than done. There are countless ways you can train your child for their emotional development, and guess what? You can even do that through their favorite time of the day...playtime!
There are some research-backed toys that can help your child with emotion training. Here are our favorites!
What could be a better representation of humans and their emotional and thought processes than dolls? When they feed, dress up, and do other human actions with the dolls, children are building on their ability to care and empathize, making them more compassionate. What if a doll is hurt? They need to mend its wounds. What if a doll doesn't want to listen to them? They need to provide some form of discipline. When they have a representative of such situations encountered in their daily life, they can practice and be ready when such situations do happen to them in reality.
Best thing about making art is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. It's an open-ended play opportunity that allows your children to express themselves and their individuality. You can use this time to also let them release their emotions over a certain circumstance. For instance, were they reprimanded this morning for refusing to brush their teeth? Let their artwork evoke the reasons that led to their actions, how they felt from the consequences, and what they plan to do moving forward. Make sure to hear their explanation and create discussions for their finished masterpiece.
Pretend play is a good thing because this allows children to step outside of the world that they know, and enter a world that is built using their own imagination. Their creativity and ability to express themselves are vital here. From fairies to princesses to doctors to firemen to animals, putting themselves in the literal shoes of others gives them a better comprehension of how diverse life is. When they are in the mood to put on costumes, you can even try hosting your own stage plays at home!
When we say cooperative games, think: puzzles, board games, building blocks...anything that will allow them collaboration with other people. When they're interacting with others, they have more opportunities to encounter more emotions and make sense of such feelings.
What's your child's favorite type of play? How is it helping with their emotional development?
