From anger to disappointment: 7 tips to raise a child who can handle their emotions in every given situation

Emotions are an essential part of everyone’s life, but for children, understanding and managing them can be challenging. Parents often find themselves in situations where their child feels overwhelmed by feelings of anger, disappointment, or frustration. Helping children navigate their emotions isn't about avoiding difficult moments but empowering them to handle their feelings in healthy ways. Here are seven practical tips to help raise a child who can manage emotions, no matter the situation.


Sometimes, it's not about fixing, but empathising

When a child expresses anger, frustration, or sadness, the natural instinct might be to offer a solution or fix the situation. Sometimes what they truly need is empathy. When parents acknowledge their child’s emotions and validate what they’re feeling, it builds emotional trust. It reassures the child that it's okay to feel upset. Rather than rushing to offer a fix, take a moment to listen. This helps children understand that their feelings matter and that they’re supported, no matter how intense those feelings might seem.



Encourage expression, but guide them to express it better

Allowing children to express their feelings is important, but how they express those feelings is just as critical. It's essential to create a safe space for children to be open about their emotions. It's equally necessary to teach them appropriate ways to express these feelings. For example, instead of screaming when angry, a child can be taught to use words like “I feel upset” or “I’m angry because…”


Use imagination to fulfill desires that can’t be met right away

There are times when children can’t have what they want immediately, whether it’s a toy, a treat, or even more screen time. When a child is disappointed, use their imagination to redirect their focus. Engage them in creative thinking by saying, "What would you do if you had that toy right now?" or "Let’s pretend we’re on an adventure." Imagination can act as a powerful tool to help children understand that not every desire can be immediately met, but there are many other ways to feel good and entertained while waiting.




Storytelling: A method for expression and understanding

Storytelling is a fantastic way for children to work through emotions, and it helps them relate to what they’re feeling in a safe, indirect way. Whether reading books or telling personal stories, the characters in stories can be a mirror for a child’s emotions. A child might relate to the frustrations of a character or the sadness in a tale, allowing them to reflect on their own feelings. Using storytelling, parents can teach valuable lessons on how characters face challenges and work through their emotions, thus creating an opportunity for children to learn without directly confronting the issue.


Play: Helping children work through their emotions

Play isn’t just for fun—it’s also a means of emotional expression. Through play, children have the opportunity to express themselves freely. Whether it’s role-playing with dolls, action figures, or games that require strategy, play allows children to process their emotions in a more natural and comfortable way. Sometimes, when a child is upset, engaging them in a game that requires focus and interaction can help them work through what they’re feeling without directly talking about it.




Teach problem-solving skills in age-appropriate ways

One of the most important skills a child can learn is how to solve problems on their own. Problem-solving isn’t just about finding solutions; it’s also about managing the emotions tied to challenges. Teaching children how to break down problems into manageable steps helps them understand that difficult situations are not impossible to overcome. Encourage your child to ask, “What can I do to make this better?” instead of just focusing on what went wrong.