EMOTION and HER RESPONSE

Lately, we had been teaching our daughter the importance of identifying and naming her emotions. Little did we know that this morning would provide the perfect opportunity for her to put her newfound knowledge into practice.

As she woke up in the morning, our daughter discovered that the tooth fairy hadn't brought her the specific item she had been hoping for. Instantly, anger erupted within her, and she vented her frustration by demanding a parent pick-up from school. We declined her request, which only fueled her anger further. Sensing an opportunity for a teachable moment, I asked her to identify the emotion she was experiencing. Without hesitation, she replied, "Anger."

Curiosity sparked within me as I posed the next question: "Who is winning now, Anger or you?" It was at that moment that a realization began to dawn upon her. She recognized that she was allowing her anger to overpower her. In a way, she personified Anger as a separate entity, engaged in a battle against herself.

Although she admitted that Anger was winning, I could sense her desire to regain control of the situation. We continued with our morning routine, busily preparing her for school. Step by step, as she got ready, the tension in the air began to ease. Then, as she sat down at the breakfast table, she calmly requested a chocolate, using polite words and a gentle tone. Surprised by her transformed demeanor, I couldn't help but admire her growth.

She then posed a question that caught me off guard. "Tell me, who is winning now?" she inquired, looking directly into my eyes. It was in that moment that I realized the significance of what she had achieved. She had not only affirmed the existence of her emotions but had also taken responsibility for them.

With a sense of pride, I asked her to determine the winner herself. Without hesitation, she confidently declared her own name. A radiant smile illuminated her face, revealing a newfound understanding and empowerment. It was a monumental occasion, witnessing our daughter not only grasp the concept of emotions but also take ownership of them.

This experience served as a valuable lesson for us all. We learned that by teaching children to be aware of their emotions and navigate through them responsibly, we empower them to forge their own paths. The journey of self-awareness and emotional intelligence had just begun for our daughter, promising a future filled with self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth.