*This is a collaborative post
Controlling emotions is the ability to manage emotions in order to complete a task or achieve a goal. Emotions that aren't controlled can be the reason for most people to get into trouble and fall off track. This applies to children too. Children don't always understand the emotions they feel which leads to getting upset or angry. It is important to teach your child to not repress their emotions either as this just leads to higher chances of them lashing out when it all gets too much. Here is some advice from an independent school in Potters bar on teaching your child to manage their emotions.
Model the right way to manage emotions
When your child yells and lashes out, this response is not innate and usually is learnt by parents themselves. Modelling the right way to handle big emotions will help your child process their feelings better from a younger age. Teaching children young is always the best time if you want them to pick up lifelong habits. Do your best to stay calm in front of your child when dealing with something hard or leave the room if you feel as though you need to blow off some steam.
Guide your child's behaviour whilst resisting the urge to punish
Spanking and time-outs never work out long-term. Children end up believing that their tantrum is what led them to be punished and can perceive these emotions as bad. In turn, children will repress these emotions leading to far bigger problems. Help your child by giving them positive guidance and helping them process what they're feeling instead.
Allow them to feel safe enough to feel their emotions
Children lash out not because they are bad, but because they are hurting and need to release the overwhelming feeling. Stay compassionate and allow your child to feel safe enough to cry and express how they're feeling. You'll find over time your child will learn to avoid the tantrum and communicate straight away.
Children who learn to manage their emotions well tend to have a healthy emotional life because they've been given the space to feel their emotions without being punished or shamed. With some hard work from your end, your child will be managing their emotions well in no time.
