Emotion coaching helps children understand and manage their feelings, builds emotional intelligence, and strengthens their relationships. Here’s how to practice it:

1. Be Aware of Emotions — Yours and Theirs

• Notice your child’s emotions early, even when subtle.

• Stay calm during emotional moments to model healthy regulation.

• Be aware of your own reactions — they set the tone.

2. See Emotions as an Opportunity to Connect

• Use emotional moments to bond and teach.

• Avoid dismissing or minimizing feelings.

• Approach with curiosity: “What’s going on underneath this behavior?”

3. Listen with Empathy and Validate Feelings

• Give full attention, kneel to their level, make eye contact.

• Say things like:

  • “I see you’re feeling really upset.”

  • “That makes sense — I’d feel that way too.”

• Validation builds trust and helps them feel understood.

4. Help Label the Emotion

• Teach them to name their feelings: “It sounds like you’re frustrated.”

• Use everyday moments and stories to introduce emotional vocabulary.

• Don’t correct—support their attempts to identify emotions.

5. Set Limits and Guide Problem-Solving

• Allow emotions but set clear limits on behavior:
  “It’s okay to be angry, but it’s not okay to hit.”

• Help them think through solutions:
  “What could we do next time instead?”

• Encourage them to come up with ideas to handle tough feelings.