Let your child express their emotions

Children, like adults, experience a wide range of emotions—anger, love, happiness, anxiety, and sadness. It is essential to allow them to express these feelings freely. Suppressing emotions can be harmful, while expressing them provides relief, understanding, and emotional growth.

When your child is angry, avoid lecturing or giving “gyan ki baatein” at that very moment. Instead, let them release their anger—sometimes through crying, shouting, or simply being upset. Once their emotions settle, they will naturally feel calmer and more peaceful. Later, when the situation has cooled down, sit with your child and gently discuss the reasons behind their anger.  

If the reason is genuine, try to prevent such situations in the future. However, if your child was wrong, explain patiently with relatable examples why the behavior was not appropriate. You may even share your own mistakes from childhood to help them understand that everyone makes errors but learns from them. This approach makes children feel supported rather than judged.

Children also need a safe space to express sadness. Unfortunately, boys are often told not to cry, but they, too, are human beings with emotions. Allowing children to cry or express grief teaches them that their feelings are valid. If parents at home provide an outlet for emotions, children will not seek unhealthy ways to release them outside.

Parents should also remember not to present themselves as “perfect.” Instead, show children that making mistakes is normal and learning from them is what truly matters. When children see that their parents, too, were guided through mistakes by their elders, they feel connected, respected, and understood. 

Listening to children with patience is crucial. Sometimes, in casual conversations, they share important things about their lives. By paying attention, parents can understand what is going on in their child’s world, which is essential for building trust.

Emotions are powerful. Let them flow freely—be it joy, anger, sadness, or love. Life is composed of navras (nine emotions), and each emotion plays a crucial role in shaping a balanced and emotionally healthy human being.

By: Ms Nidhi Ghai

Incharge

Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, Jalandhar