Articles by Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD About Dealing with Children's Feelings
How to Comfort a Child Who Has Lost a Loved One
There are various models of stages of grief out there, but the truth is that grief is a very personal thing.
Helping Your Child Move Past a Bad Experience
When bad things happen to our kids, we can help them create a narrative that genuinely acknowledges their feelings and also offers hope.
How to Stop Overthinking Things
Rumination involves repeatedly and passively focusing on the meaning of negative feelings and circumstances. Here’s how to shift away from this unhealthy mental habit.
Becoming Brave: Help Your Child Move Past Fear
Bravery doesn’t mean fearlessness. It means doing something even though we’re scared. To become brave, children need to learn to tolerate feeling scared and not let fear hold them back.
How to Help Kids Talk About Feelings
Children often struggle to be able to talk about how they’re feeling. Here’s a simple technique to help them find the words they need.
What is Psychologists’ Favorite Word?
One small word encompasses a big shift in thinking that can help people become unstuck. Learn about the power of this simple word.
3 Levels of Stress Management
Stress is like a river with three waterfalls, representing three levels at which we can intervene. In general, the higher up-stream we address stress, the easier it is to handle.
When Your Child Can’t Decide
Some children agonize over even small decisions. Teaching indecisive kids about myths and truths of decision-making can help them make up their minds.
A Better Way to Develop Your Child’s Confidence
Instead of praising children to build up their self-esteem, they need relief from too much self-focus.
What We Get Wrong About Children’s Self-Esteem
Real self-esteem isn’t about loving ourselves; it’s about being able to let go of the question, “Am I good enough?” by connecting with something bigger than ourselves.
Children’s Anger Management Strategies That Work
“Punch pillows!” is a common piece of advice children hear regarding how to manage anger, but there’s no evidence that it’s helpful. Here’s what is.
What to Say to Empathize Better With Your Child
Reflection is a way of expressing empathy that involves describing the feelings you see. Here, some straightforward phrases to try with your child.
Help Your Child Learn to Forgive
Holding onto resentment is emotionally costly. Here are some forgiveness guidelines to help your child figure out when to let go.
Can You Be Too Supportive of Your Child’s Negative Feelings?
A new study suggests that supportive responses to our kids’ negative feelings may not always be helpful.
A Simple Strategy to Help Worried Kids
The more parents say, “It’s fine. Don’t worry!” the more anxious kids demand, “But what if…?” Here’s a way to help children use their imagination to manage worries.
Encouraging Optimism in Children
Pessimistic children see negative events as evidence that they’re doomed, while optimistic children see them as temporary setbacks. Here are some ways to ease your child toward optimism
Helping Your Shy Child
When they’re around other kids, shy children feel like outsiders looking in. Here are ways to help your child feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.
How to Help Kids with Nightmares
Most children experience bad dreams sometimes. Here are some practical ways to help your child cope.
Inside Out–And Beyond
Pixar’s Inside Out is an exciting and compelling. Here are three lessons about emotions from the movie–plus one more.
Post-Adrenaline Blues
When we push and push and then STOP, we often experience what I call “Post-Adrenaline Blues.” We’re depleted, dissatisfied, and prone to questioning everything about our lives.
Teaching Children to Read Emotions
Reading aloud to children and encouraging them to think about the character’s feelings may help children develop empathy and kindness.
Helping Children Who Cry Easily
Preventing Mom Meltdowns and Dad Detonations
As much as we love our children, we’ve all had moments of feeling exasperated with them. Here’s what you can do when you feel like you’re ready to explode.