Children have feelings just like everyone else, but their feelings may feel like they are on a much bigger scale, as they don't usually know how to deal with their feelings. They may become overwhelmed with their feelings and not be able to handle them appropriately. This is usually what causes those tantrums, crying, and lashing out. Helping your child deal with their feelings and helping them to understand how they are feeling themselves will help. Read on for tips to help your child.

Calm Down

Yelling back at your child or punishing your child when they are experiencing those big feelings is not going to help the situation. Responding in a calm manner will. Calm yourself down first, then have your child calm down as well. Tell your child that they can go to a quiet place for a few minutes to calm down, or you can leave the room yourself until your child is calm. Tell your child that once they are calm as well that you can discuss what happened.

Talk It Out

Your child may not understand how they are feeling, but they may express what happened to help you better understand (and to help them better understand). Have your child talk about how they are feeling and why they are feeling that way. You may have to tell them how you are feeling and why to help them understand how to express this. Do so in a calm manner and remind your child to keep their voice calm as well.

Give Them One-On-One Time

Give your child some one-on-one time in a quiet place to talk or just to cuddle or read a book. This can help keep your child calm and give them some time with you that they may be needing. Sometimes children just need a little bit of your attention, and you just being there with them can help. 

Use Books To Help

Books about feelings and ways to deal with them can be helpful as well. Children's books about feelings can be found at the library or book store. Read these books with your child and discuss what is going on in the book. Your child may be able to relate to the characters, and how they deal with their feelings may be something your child will pick up on.

Use Activities To Deal With Feelings

If a child is feeling angry or anxious, doing certain activities may help, such as playing a sport or going for a bike ride. Wearing out excess energy and active play could be beneficial in a number of ways, especially with other children involved. 

If your child is having a difficult time dealing with their feelings, use the tips above to help. You can also take your child to a counselor to help as well. Talk to the counselor about other ways to help your child, or visit sites such as http://livinghopeclinic.org for more information.