Feelings First. Logic Last.

Kids can show up with BIG feelings to things that seem completely illogical to our adult brains.

The internet is packed full of stories about times when kids have completely lost their sh*t about something completely irrational. Maybe they got dirt on the bottom of their shoe, maybe you won’t let them eat the remote control for dinner, or maybe you gave them their favorite cup. Whatever the situation is, however ridiculous it may seem to us, what we do know is that the feelings they are having are real.

When kids are already in an escalated state, the part of their brain responsible for rational thought is inaccessible to them. Trying to reason or rationalize might only escalate them further.

It’s important that we show up and address their feelings first. We can validate their very real feelings, even if they are over not very “real” problems. Let them know we understand they are mad, sad, upset, etc. Hold space for their feelings.

Logic can come later.

For more on responding to your child’s big emotions, check out the blog post “3 Ways You Respond to Your Child’s Emotions That Might Be Hurting More Than Helping”