– By Dr. Jetson Satya Gospel
Some kids cry over minor matters, as if the world were falling apart around them. Children cry both from their heart and their eyes. To address these issues of “crying”, which may have a cause or not, we need to build a strong foundation with children on understanding their feelings when they cry. Crying is normal. But how we face our children and teaching them how to face the situations make all the difference.
As parents we experience certain feelings and emotions when our child cries. The following is a list of mindful responses to various moods and emotions, that can be used by parents. I have arranged it in an alphabetical order devised from my personal parenting experience.
Adore and show affection frequently and let your children know that you care for them.
Befriend your child and talk to them about what is troubling her.
Calm yourself down and then calm your crying child. It is important that as a parent, you don’t act up when you see your child hurt or unreasonable.
Discipline is important and if your child cries out of injustice or selfishness, teach them that their crying will not give them what they need. Do not allow them to use crying as a tool to achieve bad things.
Emotions of the child need to be your focus, as she cries. Empathize with her. A tender touch, loving response or a hug go a long way.
Fast reaction may be required and so be prepared.
Good to cry for good reasons. It’s okay to cry when a child feels heavy at heart as crying helps her vent out heavy feelings.
Hope that as your child will mature, things will improve. Nothing is going to last for very long.
Inspire your child as a parent to be strong at heart and face challenges with bravery, whether at home or in school.
Justice and fairness should be kept in mind while dealing with your children. Do it gently.
Keen you should be, in knowing the reasons behind your child’s cry.
Love as they are and show your affection even when they cry.
Mindful of the environment you should be, when they cry.
No changing your stance when it is a reasonable one. Let your no be no and yes be yes.
Observe your child’s behavior when she cries.
Polite and kind words should be used, when you speak to your crying child. Show empathy to your child. Let her know that you understand her and feel her pain.
Question her kindly. An interactive two-way dialogue should be practiced.
Reassure your child that there is hope for a positive change.
Sincerely address the child when she is crying.
Thoughtful you must be, about all possible causes of crying.
Uplift your child’s spirits as a coping strategy.
Valiant you should be and teach your child to be strong and brave, when she is facing a difficult situation.
Warm and receptive, a parent must be at all times.
X-factor in this is your own unique strategy!
You should put yourself your child’s shoes and imagine you are of her age and think about how you’d feel.
Zest and enthusiasm for parenting will help you sail through these issues.
