Taken from the Michael Grose "Parentingideas"newsletter:
Ever had a child in a grumpy mood and she just don’t know how to make herself feel better? Alternatively, you may have experienced a child who comes home from school so angry that there’s steam coming from his ears.
Feeling emotional extremes is part of life, but that doesn’t mean we need to stay in those states. Children and young people aren’t necessarily hostages to their moods – with a little knowledge and effort they can shift their mood to a more pleasant and productive place. Generally, kids can modify their moods by changing their thinking or changing their physiology. That can be hard for a child to get his or her head around. Kids learn better through concrete strategies (rather than abstract concepts) as they are easier to learn and remember.
Here are 3 practical strategies kids can use to shift their moods:
1. “Take a breathe…take a few actually”
Perhaps the simplest way for child to feel better, whether it’s too settle some nerves before a talk or reduce anxiousness before meeting new friends, is to take three or four deep breaths. Deep breathing releases dopamine into their system, moving kids toward the yellow or green zones on the Mood Meter.
2. “Picture yourself…”
Encourage your kids to carry a picture of a favourite thing – person, pet or holiday – to help them move them to a happier place when needed. Pictures and photos can impact at a deep emotional level. Anyone who carries a picture of a loved one with them will know how powerful a visual reminder can be.
3. “DO something…”
Boys are action-oriented and tend to act out their feelings more than girls. When they are happy they dance and gig around and when they are mad many become aggressive or just more active. Boys also can use action to dissipate emotion or shift their mood to a better place. If they are angry then insist they play an active game or sport to get the energy out. Lethargy, boredom and other passive emotional states too can be shifted through physical activity.
If your child or young person uses ineffective strategies such as rumination and worry, acting out, or self-blame then help them choose more effective strategies to regulate their emotions.
