Managing Your Emotions: How Your Reactions Impact Your Child's Behavior

Putting an end to your HSC’s meltdowns doesn’t have to be difficult.

It doesn’t require yelling or shouting.

You don’t need to give in to their demands.

And you definitely don’t need sticker charts or reward systems.

In fact, you really just need one thing:

Modeling. 

Modeling basically means displaying the behavior you want others to adopt.

It’s used a lot in all different types of behavior therapy. 

And when done right, modeling is highly effective.

Now, when I first speak to parents about modeling, they’re (understandably) skeptical.

They’re the parent after all, right? 

So why can’t they just tell their kiddo what to do?

Well, for one thing, no one likes being told what to do!

And also, even if some children do respond best to being instructed, HSCs don’t

That's where modeling comes in.

Let’s say your kiddo is having a meltdown.

You could try to reason them out of it.

You could start stressing out as well.

You could shout, yell, and let all your negative emotions out.

Or, you could try something much more effective …

And show the behavior you want them to adopt.

Ie. You show them how cool, calm and collected you are.

Obviously, this isn’t going to stop the meltdown right that very second.

But here’s what’s cool about modeling -

If you learn to spot the signs of an impending meltdown, you can get ahead of it, and start modeling that calm behavior before the meltdown even kicks off.

You’d be amazed how receptive kids are to this.

It makes sense though, right?

Because think about a tense situation you might find yourself in.

Maybe someone at work does something that really gets under your skin.

If you go to discuss it with them, and they’re all defensive, aggressive, and start raising their voice …

You also get defensive, aggressive and start raising your voice.

But if they’re calm, rational and friendly, even if you’re still annoyed, you’re a lot more chilled about the situation too, right?

And you’ll work to find a solution, rather than descending into a shouting match.

Same goes for your kiddo.

If you can spot the signs …

Embody the behavior you want them to have …

And, most importantly, be patient about the process (because this isn’t an overnight fix,) you can see a serious decrease in both the frequency and ferocity of meltdowns.

Children are way more receptive to how you act and your body language than they are to the words coming out of your mouth.

Because, as Ralph Waldo Emmerson said -

“What you are speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you are saying.”

P.S.

If you’re DONE with meltdowns dictating your day …

Or you’re tired of seeing your amazing child struggling and in pain …

Use this link to book some time with us, today.

Our incredible team is on-hand to speak with you about the first steps you can take to a meltdown-free, happy and healthy home.

We’ll talk about what you’re struggling with right now …

What you’ve tried to end the meltdowns so far …

And discuss a game plan to get you right where you want your family to be.

Our spots this week are filling fast, so go here, and we’ll speak with you real soon.

For families with high school aged teens, book your call here.