Communicating with Kids: Saying How You Feel

Many of us are already stressed out with work, taking care of family, and all the other life things. Then, your child says something that hurts your feelings. It’s a difficult experience to deal with especially when you have to deal with their intense emotional outbursts, too. 

Lauren discusses the seventh of her “7 Disarming Communication Tactics” in this episode: the “I feel….” Strategy. Part of this strategy is having a healthy conversation with your kiddo about how you feel. If you model healthy communication by expressing your feelings, your kiddo learns how to manage their own emotions. Discussing feelings can also help them develop empathy and compassion.

Lauren also talks about how to communicate feelings effectively. She also gives some important Do’s and Don’ts relative to this strategy, as well as when and how to talk to you kiddo. (Her blog post linked below has great tips, too!) 

Remember –
When making changes like this, give both yourself and your kiddos some grace. YOU are learning a new “language”, and THEY need time to understand it. 

Mentioned in this episode:
Pneumonic for the 7 Communication Tactics: SCHWINF

Lauren answers this week’s listener question during the episode:
What if children are mouthy and use foul language?

Try-at-home tip: Less toys.

Other related resources from The Behavior Hub:
Blog Post:
Communicating with Kids: Saying How You Feel
Positive Communication: Try Some Humor
Improve Communication by Giving Kids Choices

Podcast:
Why Behaviors Occur - The 5 Needs Areas

Our Online Courses:
From Conflict to Calm: Communicating so kids listen the FIRST time
From Wild Emotions to Tamed Feelings – How to Self-Regulate (5 Needs Areas)

• Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!
  Email questions to podcast@thebehaviorhub.com or send via text to 717-693-7744.
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• The Behavior Hub website
• The Behavior Hub blog

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