It is painful as a parent to watch our children in pain, or anticipating pain.
And confusing in situations where there is necessary pain and discomfort like in the case of medical care.
The key to helping our children navigate these challenging moments is in staying calm (not taking their anxiety on) and in staying present (feeling empathy for their fear and discomfort but not shutting down).
As adults if we avoid their anxiety and worry it will continue to cycle inside their little bodies and likely come out more intensely.
I always tell myself "this is an opportunity for my child to learn more about their emotions and for me to continue to show them what empathy and support in a relationship feels like".
Hang in there parents, Dentists and Doctors visits are not for the faint of heart 💜❤️💜❤️
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In this heartwarming video, a gate attendant at Denver International Airport demonstrates the incredible power of empathy and patience in de-escalating a tense situation during a 6.5 hour flight delay, highlighting how accepting and understanding a child's emotions (and an adult's) can prevent dangerous behavioral responses and soothe their nervous systems.
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Learn how attuning to a child's interests and internal states can build their trust in their body, freeing them to confidently explore the world in this insightful video.
Learn about the concept of Restraint Collapse and how children rely on their attachment relationship to express their emotions in this insightful video, which provides tips on how to offer compassion and a safe space for your kids to release their emotional tensions after holding it together all day.
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