on), and then the parent helps their child to feel better (support).
Not only will emotion coaching help calm the emotional storm in the moment, but it will also teach children how to manage their own emotions in the future.
Parents’ own emotions
Children transitioning back to school will likely require additional support. Emotion coaching is not complicated, but it can be very difficult for parents to respond with patience and empathy when at their wits end.
Parents can manage their own emotions by seeking professional support by going into therapy, accessing online mental health materials or taking care of their mental health with activities like exercise, healthy eating and sleep routines.
We also recommend that parents take time to talk with their children before school starts. For an anxious child, this might be five minutes of validation and support each day. For another child, checking in occasionally may be enough.
Author Bios: Dillon Thomas Browne is Assistant Professor, Psychology at the University of Waterloo, Heather Prime is an Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology at York University, Jennifer Jenkins is Atkinson Chair of Early Child Development and Education and Director of the Atkinson Centre at the University of Toronto and Mark Wade is Assistant Professor, Applied Psychology and Human Development also at the University of Toronto