6 ways to stay calm when your child's behaviour is triggering you

lifestyle

By Akanksha Agnihotri, Delhi

Published on Nov 11, 2022 06:28 pm IST

Parenthood is challenging, and your child's actions may occasionally make you upset or triggered. Here are six tips to stay calm at those times.

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Published on Nov 11, 2022 06:28 pm IST

Parenting is challenging and an extremely emotional affair. Helplessness, frustration, uncertainty, hurt, disappointment, and fury are just a few of the emotions that our kids and interactions with them can make us feel. We may become easily agitated or feel overburdened by these emotions. Certified Psychotherapist and Parenting Expert Jessica VanderWier addressed this in her latest Instagram post and shared tips to stay calm when your child's behaviour is triggering you.(freepik )

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Published on Nov 11, 2022 06:28 pm IST

Eye contact: Making eye contact with your child brings you and your child back to reality in difficult moments. You are both humans in need of connection, respect, and love.(pexels)

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Published on Nov 11, 2022 06:28 pm IST

Visualise: If you need a practical visual on the days when whining, crying, or yelling just keeps happening, try to imagine that it is bouncing off a "yell-proof" vest. Remind yourself that you are a calm and confident leader who can handle whatever comes your way.(Unsplash)

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Published on Nov 11, 2022 06:28 pm IST

Breathe: On days when your children are melting down or having big behaviours, it can create a lot of tension in our bodies. Unclench your jaw and take a deep breath in. As you breathe out, notice the tension leaving your body.(istockphoto)

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Published on Nov 11, 2022 06:28 pm IST

Sensory break: It will help you calm down and give time to process your emotions. Breaks can last anywhere from 10-15 minutes. Leave, go to some quiet place, sit in the dark for a moment, then come back.(istockphoto)

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Published on Nov 11, 2022 06:28 pm IST

Tune into you: Check in with yourself and tune in with your own needs. Reflect on your day, if you have eaten your food, enjoyed your day or taken a break.(Unsplash)

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Published on Nov 11, 2022 06:28 pm IST

Exercise it off: Turn up the music and dance with the kids, or run through an exercise routine until the surge of energy from your anger is used up. Or spend your energy vacuuming, tidying up or cleaning windows or mirrors.(istockphoto)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri

Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas. Read Less ...Read More

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6 ways to stay calm when your child's behaviour is triggering you

Parenthood is challenging, and your child's actions may occasionally make you upset or triggered. Here are six tips to stay calm at those times.

Eye contact: Making eye contact with your child brings you and your child back to reality in difficult moments. You are both humans in need of connection, respect, and love.(pexels)

Visualise: If you need a practical visual on the days when whining, crying, or yelling just keeps happening, try to imagine that it is bouncing off a "yell-proof" vest. Remind yourself that you are a calm and confident leader who can handle whatever comes your way.(Unsplash)

Breathe: On days when your children are melting down or having big behaviours, it can create a lot of tension in our bodies. Unclench your jaw and take a deep breath in. As you breathe out, notice the tension leaving your body.(istockphoto)

Sensory break: It will help you calm down and give time to process your emotions. Breaks can last anywhere from 10-15 minutes. Leave, go to some quiet place, sit in the dark for a moment, then come back.(istockphoto)

Tune into you: Check in with yourself and tune in with your own needs. Reflect on your day, if you have eaten your food, enjoyed your day or taken a break.(Unsplash)

Exercise it off: Turn up the music and dance with the kids, or run through an exercise routine until the surge of energy from your anger is used up. Or spend your energy vacuuming, tidying up or cleaning windows or mirrors.(istockphoto)

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