Managing intense emotions in young children, particularly when expressed as anger or frustration, can be a significant challenge for parents. Dibber International Preschools is dedicated to supporting parents and educators with practical strategies to handle these situations effectively.
Focusing on children aged 0 to 6 years, Dibber is committed to helping families across South Africa foster emotional growth and encourage positive behaviours.
“Emotional regulation is a skill that children can learn from an early age,” says Ursula Assis, country director of Dibber International Preschools. “By teaching children how to understand and manage their feelings, we provide them with tools for life, enabling them to navigate emotions with resilience and empathy.”
The importance of validation
One of the core principles for managing intense emotions in children is validation. When a child has a meltdown or exhibits aggressive behaviour, acknowledging their feelings is the first step, rather than rushing to discipline. Simple affirmations like “I can see you’re upset” can make children feel understood and help de-escalate their emotions.
Grounding techniques
Grounding techniques are another powerful tool. Assis highlights the effectiveness of the Five Senses Activity, which encourages children to focus on what they can see, hear, touch, smell and taste. This method helps shift their attention from overwhelming emotions to the present moment, providing an immediate calming effect.
Identifying triggers and observing patterns
Recognising the triggers that lead to emotional outbursts is essential. “If a child becomes irritable when they’re hungry, it’s best to avoid difficult conversations or challenging tasks at that time,” Assis advises. This approach helps both in managing child aggression and teaching children the importance of self-awareness.
Teaching self-regulation techniques
Dibber encourages parents to discuss emotions with their children during calm moments, helping them identify the physical and mental signs of strong emotions. Teaching children to notice when their body feels tense or when frustration arises empowers them to use self-regulation strategies such as deep breathing, counting or taking a brief break. These techniques can prevent emotions from escalating.
Modelling healthy emotional regulation
Children learn by observing their parents. “When parents model healthy emotional regulation, they show it’s normal to experience strong emotions and that there are constructive ways to manage them,” Assis explains. These shared practices not only teach self-regulation but also become bonding experiences and valuable learning opportunities.
Building a foundation for resilience
Dibber International Preschools is committed to empowering parents and educators with strategies like validation, grounding techniques and role modelling to manage child aggression effectively.
“Our aim is to create an environment where children can learn to handle their emotions with confidence and compassion,” says Assis. “These early lessons in emotional regulation are essential for developing resilient, well-rounded individuals.”