Raising Emotionally Supportive Children

Raising Emotionally Supportive Children

As parents, we teach our children how to be good humans on every level.

Emotionally supporting others is one of the most important foundations to teach our children. It is key to all close relationships. Supporting others shows care and compassion. Giving emotional support is a way to help people feel connected and less alone.  While emotionally supporting others, we are teaching our children to be better people.

How to Model Emotional Support.

*Children watch our interactions with others.  We can incorporate daily support for others by:

*Listen with empathy: Consider how the other person may be feeling and listen for the specific words they use.

*Listen without judgment or interruption: Sometimes just being heard makes a person feel supported.

*Reflect: Summarize, or “mirror,” what they have said, as this shows understanding.

*Offer compassion, reassurance, and honesty.

Ask what they need: This allows the person to get the kind of help they desire.

Teaching our children to support others is the key to good relationships at home and in the world. Our children also learn support by the many examples we share with them every day.

The Power of Listening

Listen to your children.  Process what they are saying. Listening is vital to supporting each other.

Children who experience the power of listening, learn to listen to others. Children who learn to listen, learn to understand. By doing so, they learn how to support others in their lives.

The Power of Understanding

Understanding is another key part of any relationship, including the parent/child relationship. When we let our kids see that we are truly trying to understand their problems and emotions, they begin to see us as true allies.

As our children go through life, learning what being understood feels like, they learn to better understand those around them. Understanding leads to empathy, and empathy leads to truly caring about what others are going through.

The Power of Empathy

It is important to remember that empathy is learned, not taught.

When we show our children empathy, they begin to understand the power it has to make others feel loved and supported.

The Power of Seeing Differences

We are not all the same.  Let's teach our children to observe and celebrate differences.

The Power of Standing Up

There is a sense of strength and courage when we focus on supporting each other. Listening, understanding, and seeing are all wonderful, but it’s important that we take action, as well. We can teach our children about the power of standing up and acting by being their greatest allies.

The Power of Being an Example

One of the best ways we can show our kids the power of supporting each other is by being the example they need every single day.

Children learn what they live. We can be their example of strength, determination, love, and emotional endurance.

"I’m a strong person. But every now and then I would like someone to take my hand and say everything will be alright.” –

Sincerely,

Dr. Atousa

Healthy Kids Care at Sunrise