Often times, parents become easily frustrated and confused by their child’s emotions. Parents are busy people. They work, go to school, take care of home, pay bills and attend community activities. The “busyness of parenting” sometimes causes parents to ignore the signals that their preschool child or teen requires emotional attention. Children of all ages, teens, adolescents and young adults, without exception have emotional needs.

Parents that respect, understand and pay attention to their children’s emotional well being have healthier more focused and balanced children.

Children feel a large range of emotions. They have positive emotions: Joy, happiness, contentment, excitement and good will towards others. But, they also have negative emotions such as grief, fear, frustration, sadness and confusion. When they lack support and understanding of these negative emotions, it causes “emotional dis-ease.” This can result in behavior problems, poor self esteem, fear, sleep problems, school difficulties and even more serious conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder ADD or an eating disorder.

Children are emotional beings, they grow into adults and hopefully learn logic and reason, which help balance their emotional experiences of the world. What can you do to help your child cope with their emotional experiences? First, is realizing that your child’s emotions are important. Give your child the time and listening ears to help them process their emotions. Seek to understand your child’s views of themselves, their world and the world around them. Treat your children with emotional acceptance.

It is not unusual for parents to feel unsure of how to handle emotional distress with their children. Parents are concerned with the welfare of the child, safety, housing, clothing, feeding and keeping their children physically healthy. However, with support and coaching, both parents and child can grow together, so that increases positive emotional understanding.

There are many benefits of supporting your child’s emotional well being. The benefits have immediate, short term, future and long term effects. Nurturing emotional acceptance pays off in your child’s improved self esteem, social skills, school performance and physical health.

Emotional health and physical health hold hands. Children are holistic. For that matter, adults are holistic as well. When our emotional state is disturbed, out of balance and misunderstood it causes fragmentation in our inner self. Emotional tenderness, strength and respect establish a sure foundation for children.

If you child needs emotional assistance or coaching, seek out the necessary professional and community support. As a parent you’ll be glad you did and your child will experience improved emotional wellness.

The Parent Coach, Chelsea Greene, MA is available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Dr. Masoud Ahdieh, MD office. You can call for more information or to make an appointment at (910) 997-7180.