When small children hit, push, bite, scratch, kick, or punch, they are not doing it to harm or violate another child. They are doing it because they lack impulse control and their stress response makes it hard for them to verbally express themselves in moments of big emotion.
They REACT because they are still learning how to process and ACT in ways that are socially effective.
Which is why it is so important that we don't harshly REACT in response, and instead ACT in ways that model the type of calm and thoughtful responses we want our children to learn in stressful moments.
Guide: don't tan their hide.
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In this video, Dr. Laura Markham shares practical tips on how to help kids and parents manage boredom by staying in a place of compassionate teaching, which involves expressing empathy, helping kids notice body sensations, developing the habit of seeing boredom as an unidentified need state, being patient, and teaching kids to discover their own options without collapsing into despair.
Learn how to handle the endless "why" questions from your child by turning it into a time of imagination, allowing them to wonder and theorize about things, rather than just providing an answer, which can foster a sense of connection and curiosity.
Learn how to keep your children safe and empowered against sexual abuse and trauma by watching this powerful video on the importance of having "the talk" with anyone who watches your children, and how it can serve as a warning to predators and empower your children to have the language and tools to prevent and heal from such abuse.
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