December 2021
Parenting during the holiday season can be difficult. Many families experience grief, conflicts of belief systems, increases in symptoms of mental illness, and more.
Did You Know?
Disciplining a child who has experienced trauma in their lifetime can look different than disciplining a child who does not have those experiences? Here are some tips for disciplining children who have experienced trauma:
Examine your expectations for your child to ensure they are reasonable and do not stem from your own trauma in childhood.
Be in control of your own emotions.
Do your best to address emotions before addressing a problem and/or consequences.
Avoid engaging in a power struggle with your child.
Utilize “time-ins” to teach self control. When a child is out of control, remove them from the situation and sit with them until they are able to calm down.
Pay close attention to your child and try to be sensitive to things that cause undesirable reactions.
Give choices such as “you may choose green beans or carrots for your vegetable”.
Utilize effective consequences. Consequences should not be given when a child is emotionally dysregulated, and they should always be logical, natural, and short term.