Seeking Outlets for Emotional Expression
Even though children can learn to identify their emotions, they may not know how to express them in healthy, appropriate ways. The more alternatives a child has for expressing what is happening to her internally, the more likely she will be to let those feelings out. Having many tools to do this lessens her chances for developing depression. Consider the following areas for providing your child outlets for emotional expression.
Alternative Outlets
Besides the physical outlet, exercise, there are ways to express emotions, especially negative ones, that do not hurt anyone. Beating on or screaming into a pillow is a great way to express anger or other negative emotions.
Teaching your child to breathe deeply as a means of relaxing will take some of the intensity out of his emotions. Another technique is to have him clench his fists or tense his entire body, and then let the tension go.
Essential
No matter how your child chooses to express her emotions, she needs to understand that having feelings, even negative ones, is natural. However, she is never allowed to hurt someone intentionally or to hurt herself. If she is unsure how to communicate what she is feeling, a good alternative is to run it by someone she trusts before reacting.
Creative Outlets
Creative outlets include drawing, painting, putting on a play, and writing. Anything that calls on your child to express her emotions using creativity is healthy. Some kids like to play music or write poetry. Encourage what they enjoy as they will be more likely to do it when feeling emotionally out of control. Not only does it help the expression, it also enables your child to relax and perhaps get her mind off of unpleasantness.
Social Outlets
Social outlets encourage your child to interact. Some social outlets could include talking to you, a friend, or another relative. Or other options could include a formal group, such as scouting, that allows for the opportunity to share feelings, experiences, and seek advice from others.
