As parents, we all want to do the best for our children. We want to raise happy, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. However, parenting can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, especially when our children are going through emotional struggles.
When our children are upset, angry, or frustrated, sometimes it feels intuitive to dismiss their feelings, tell them to “get over it,” or even punish them for expressing themselves. But did you know the importance of validation as the ultimate tool for parenting emotionally aware children?
Let’s keep reading to learn more!
Importance of Validation
Validation is the acceptance and acknowledgment of our children’s emotions, thoughts, and experiences without judgment or criticism. It’s about letting them know that we hear and value their voice. However, it is important to remember that validation doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything your child says.
The best way to raise children who are emotionally attuned is to teach them that their principles should be their guiding light in life. The way we feel about things matters and we should express our emotions and honor them, but not at the cost of principles we hold dear.
The importance of validation along with talking about and practicing principles is the highest for parenting emotionally intelligent and responsible children. This will allow your children to be able to regulate their emotions and communicate them effectively. They also learn to empathize with others, understand their emotions while staying steadfast in their core principles in life.
Parenting Children with Validation
Parenting with validation doesn’t mean that we have to agree with everything our children say or do. It’s about separating the behavior from the emotion and acknowledging the emotion. For example, if our child is upset because their friend canceled their playdate, we can say, “I can see that you’re feeling disappointed. That must be hard for you.” We can also help them find ways to cope with their emotions, such as suggesting they call another friend or do something they enjoy.
When we validate our children, we also model healthy communication and problem-solving skills. We show them that it’s possible to express emotions and work through them without resorting to yelling, blaming, or punishing. We also build trust and strengthen our relationship with them. When you make children feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to open up and share their thoughts and feelings.
Validation is especially important for children who are struggling with mental health issues or trauma. These children may feel misunderstood, invalidated, and alone. When we validate their emotions, we show them support and safety for healing and growth. We also help them develop resilience and coping skills that will help them all their lives.
Contact Growth and Change Counseling for Child Behavioral HealthService in San Jose
Validating a child is about helping to normalize their experience, not giving tacit approval to it. Parenting emotionally aware children is a journey, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way. If you’re struggling to validate your child’s emotions or if your child is experiencing mental health issues, consider seeking professional help.
Growth and Change Counseling by John Mark Kane offers Child Behavioral Health Services in San Jose.
Remember, it’s never too late to start validating your child’s emotions and supporting their emotional growth.
Contact us for parent coaching services today!