{"id":22119,"date":"2025-07-17T10:18:21","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T09:18:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/?p=22119"},"modified":"2025-10-30T00:29:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T00:29:12","slug":"when-children-struggle-negative-emotions-parents-supportive-reactions-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/when-children-struggle-negative-emotions-parents-supportive-reactions-help\/","title":{"rendered":"When children struggle with negative emotions, parents\u2019 supportive reactions can help"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #000080;\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Based on research originally published in: Wang, M., Chen, X., &amp; Zheng, S. (2024). <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/01650254241250048\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #00ccff;\">Parental reactions to child negative emotions and child behavioral adjustment: The moderating role of child inhibitory control.<\/span><\/a><\/span>\u00a0<em>International Journal of Behavioral Development,<\/em> 48(5), 422-433.\u00a0 This article is freely available exclusively for readers of the Child &amp; Family Blog for a limited period.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #121c4e;color:#121c4e\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #121c4e;color:#121c4e\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/when-children-struggle-negative-emotions-parents-supportive-reactions-help\/#Key_takeaways_for_caregivers\" >Key takeaways for caregivers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/when-children-struggle-negative-emotions-parents-supportive-reactions-help\/#The_importance_of_caregivers_reactions_to_childrens_negative_emotions_Factors_to_consider\" >The importance of caregivers\u2019 reactions to children\u2019s negative emotions: Factors to consider<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/when-children-struggle-negative-emotions-parents-supportive-reactions-help\/#Does_a_childs_ability_to_control_impulses_shape_how_caregivers_responses_to_their_negative_emotions_affect_their_behavior\" >Does a child\u2019s ability to control impulses shape how caregivers\u2019 responses to their negative emotions affect their behavior?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/when-children-struggle-negative-emotions-parents-supportive-reactions-help\/#Tips_for_parents_to_support_a_child_during_emotionally_charged_moments\" >Tips for parents to support a child during emotionally charged moments<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_takeaways_for_caregivers\"><\/span>Key takeaways for caregivers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Supportive reactions to children\u2019s negative emotions include helping them deal with their problems, using strategies like comforting or distracting to help them feel better, and encouraging them to express their negative emotions.<\/li>\n<li>Non-supportive reactions to children\u2019s negative emotions include using verbal or <a href=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/negative-impact-of-parental-physical-punishment-of-children\">physical punishment<\/a> to reduce their negative emotional expression, thinking little of their problems or painful reactions, and becoming distressed when faced with their negative emotions.<\/li>\n<li>Our research with Chinese families indicates that both mothers\u2019 and fathers\u2019 supportive reactions to their four- to six-year-olds\u2019 negative emotions predict aspects of the children\u2019s adjustment, though in different ways.<\/li>\n<li>Inhibitory control is the ability to restrain inappropriate behaviors and responses. Children with lower levels of inhibitory control have more difficulty regulating their behaviors and emotions. For those children, the positive effects of parents\u2019 supportive reactions to children\u2019s negative emotions were more pronounced.<\/li>\n<li>Chinese fathers\u2019 supportive reactions to their four- to six-year-olds\u2019 negative emotions predicted fewer externalizing problems (e.g., hyperactivity, inattention, conduct problems) six months later, but only for children who had more difficulty with self-control.<\/li>\n<li>Chinese mothers\u2019 supportive reactions predicted more prosocial behaviors (e.g., sharing, helping, showing empathy), but only for children with low levels of inhibitory control. In contrast, Chinese fathers\u2019 supportive reactions predicted more prosocial behaviors for children across levels of inhibitory control abilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Imagine a parent preparing for their five-year-old\u2019s birthday party. The balloons are up, the cupcakes are ready, and friends are singing Happy Birthday! But instead of smiling, the child bursts into tears \u2013 overwhelmed by the attention and noise. The parent may feel frustrated and confused by this reaction to the fun celebration they planned.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22123\" style=\"width: 1716px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22123\" class=\"wp-image-22123 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-4868633-scaled-e1749414166844.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1706\" height=\"1288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-4868633-scaled-e1749414166844.jpg 1706w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-4868633-scaled-e1749414166844-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-4868633-scaled-e1749414166844-1024x773.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-4868633-scaled-e1749414166844-768x580.jpg 768w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-4868633-scaled-e1749414166844-1536x1160.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-4868633-scaled-e1749414166844-356x269.jpg 356w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-4868633-scaled-e1749414166844-700x528.jpg 700w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-4868633-scaled-e1749414166844-50x38.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1706px) 100vw, 1706px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22123\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/crying-little-girl-4868633\/\">KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA<\/a> on Pexels<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Moments like these \u2013 small, emotional crossroads \u2013 happen regularly in parenting. Whether a meltdown over a lost toy, a burst of frustration when a puzzle piece does not fit properly, or a quiet withdrawal during a noisy event, these behaviors are common, daily opportunities for caregivers to guide their children\u2019s emotional growth.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_importance_of_caregivers_reactions_to_childrens_negative_emotions_Factors_to_consider\"><\/span>The importance of caregivers\u2019 reactions to children\u2019s negative emotions: Factors to consider<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Caregivers\u2019 reactions can leave lasting impressions, especially when a child is upset, frustrated, or overwhelmed. They influence how children learn to manage and regulate their own emotions, relate to others, and handle future challenges. Reactions to children\u2019s negative emotions might matter more than caregivers realize.<\/p>\n<h3>Supportive versus non-supportive reactions<\/h3>\n<p>Supportive reactions involve parents recognizing, validating, and constructively <a href=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/mind-mindedness-parenting\">guiding children through their difficult emotions<\/a>. For instance, think back to the birthday party scenario. When a child feels overwhelmed and bursts into tears, a supportive reaction might be kneeling down gently and offering comfort, saying, \u201cDo you want to take a quiet moment with me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, non-supportive reactions typically involve dismissing or minimizing the child\u2019s emotional expressions, or even punishing the child for their behavior. In the same scenario, a non-supportive response might be responding impatiently, \u201cCome on, this is supposed to be fun!\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Caregivers\u2019 reactions can leave lasting impressions, especially when a child is upset, frustrated, or overwhelmed.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Research \u2013 much of it conducted in Western countries \u2013<a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2012-15125-003\"> shows that supportive parental reactions to children\u2019s negative emotions are linked to positive outcomes<\/a>, such as better emotion regulation, fewer behavior problems, and <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26569566\/\">stronger prosocial behaviors<\/a>. In contrast,<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11405590\/\"> non-supportive reactions are generally associated with negative outcomes<\/a>, including lower levels of social competence and more emotional and behavioral difficulties.<\/p>\n<p>Findings from studies of Chinese families are more mixed: While supportive reactions predict better emotional regulation, the negative effects of non-supportive reactions, especially minimization, are less consistently observed, suggesting possible cultural differences.<\/p>\n<h3>Children\u2019s temperament: Inhibitory control<\/h3>\n<p>Children have their own unique temperament \u2013 the typical way they respond to their surroundings. One important aspect of children\u2019s temperament that is related to their self-regulation is inhibitory control, or children\u2019s ability to restrain inappropriate behaviors and responses.<\/p>\n<p>Inhibitory control develops gradually over time and with guidance. However, some children have a harder time with this aspect of temperament than others. They may act out more quickly, struggle to follow the rules, or have difficulty calming down after becoming upset.<\/p>\n<p>Imagine a preschool classroom in which the teacher asks children to transition from playing to quietly listening to a story: Some children settle down quickly and calmly, while others continue to play, become restless, or find it difficult to remain seated. These behaviors reflect differences in children\u2019s abilities to self-regulate.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22120\" style=\"width: 2570px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22120\" class=\"size-full wp-image-22120\" src=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-shotpot-7705705-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-shotpot-7705705-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-shotpot-7705705-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-shotpot-7705705-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-shotpot-7705705-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-shotpot-7705705-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-shotpot-7705705-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-shotpot-7705705-356x237.jpg 356w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-shotpot-7705705-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-shotpot-7705705-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22120\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/mom-and-daughter-playing-together-7705705\/\">ShotPot<\/a> on Pexels<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Children with stronger inhibitory control can manage their impulses more effectively, whereas children with lower levels of inhibitory control often find it harder to regulate their emotions and behaviors. This raises an important question for caregivers: Do parents\u2019 supportive reactions matter more for children who naturally struggle with self-regulation?<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_a_childs_ability_to_control_impulses_shape_how_caregivers_responses_to_their_negative_emotions_affect_their_behavior\"><\/span>Does a child\u2019s ability to control impulses shape how caregivers\u2019 responses to their negative emotions affect their behavior?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In a recent study, we examined to what extent Chinese mothers\u2019 and fathers\u2019 reactions to their young children\u2019s negative emotions predicted children\u2019s adjustment over time, and to what extent these effects depended on children\u2019s inhibitory control. Mothers and fathers of 113 Chinese preschoolers (age range 45 to 73 months) recruited from three preschools in a small city in middle China completed two questionnaires six months apart. On average, both mothers and fathers were in their early 30s (age range 23 to 47 years), and they had an average of about 14.5 years of education. Annual household income varied between 10,000 yuan to 500,000 yuan (about $1,437 to $71,850).<\/p>\n<p>Parents reported their reactions to their children\u2019s negative emotions and their impressions of their children\u2019s inhibitory control and adjustment. The questions about adjustment addressed children\u2019s externalizing problems (hyperactivity-inattention, e.g., \u201ceasily distracted, concentration wanders,\u201d and conduct problems, e.g., \u201coften fights with other children or bullies them\u201d), internalizing problems (emotional problems, e.g., \u201coften unhappy, depressed or tearful\u201d and peer problems, e.g., \u201cpicked on or bullied by other children\u201d), and prosocial behaviors (cooperative and kind behaviors, e.g., \u201ckind to younger children\u201d).<\/p>\n<h3>Fathers\u2019 supportive reactions predicted fewer externalizing problems, but only for children with more difficulty controlling their impulses<\/h3>\n<p>Mothers\u2019 supportive reactions did not predict children\u2019s externalizing problems, but for some children, fathers\u2019 supportive reactions did. Traditionally, in Chinese families, fathers are seen as the main authority figures responsible for discipline, while mothers play a more nurturing and caregiving role. Supportive reactions from fathers may be particularly salient and influential when it comes to externalizing behaviors (e.g., hyperactivity, aggression, rule-breaking), which are often the focus of disciplinary efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Fathers\u2019 supportive reactions predicted externalizing behaviors for children with lower levels of inhibitory control. More specifically, the more likely fathers were to respond to these children\u2019s emotional outbursts with empathy, patience, and guidance, the more likely these children were to show fewer externalizing problems six months later.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Parenting involves more than preventing problem behaviors; it is also about nurturing the emotional and social skills children need to thrive and flourish.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Supportive paternal reactions may help children manage their strong emotions before they escalate into problematic behaviors. In this way, fathers can serve as a supportive emotion socialization agent (i.e., someone whose interactions with children model, teach, or otherwise facilitate children\u2019s understanding and management of emotions), particularly for children who need extra help with self-regulation.<\/p>\n<h3>Fathers\u2019 supportive reactions predicted more prosocial behaviors in all children, while mothers\u2019 supportive reactions predicted more prosocial behaviors only for children with low levels of inhibitory control<\/h3>\n<p>Parenting involves more than preventing problem behaviors; it is also about <a href=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/authoritative-parenting-balancing-discipline-with-warmth-and-support\">nurturing the emotional and social skills<\/a> children need to thrive and flourish. In our study, one particularly meaningful outcome we examined was prosocial behaviors: actions like helping, sharing, cooperating, and showing empathy toward others. Parental warmth and coaching during emotionally challenging moments may provide children with a model for empathy and caring social interaction.<\/p>\n<p>More supportive reactions from fathers predicted greater prosocial behavior for the children six months later. In other words, the more likely fathers were to respond with warmth, emotional validation, and constructive guidance during tough moments, the more likely their children were to be rated as thoughtful, considerate, and socially engaged. This was true regardless of the children\u2019s inhibitory control abilities.<\/p>\n<p>Maternal supportive reactions also predicted more prosocial behavior, but only for children who struggled more with inhibitory control \u2013 those who were impulsive, reactive, or easily frustrated. These children seemed to benefit most from this type of emotional coaching. For them, supportive responses from either parent might help them slow down, reflect, and engage with others more thoughtfully.<\/p>\n<h3>Parental reactions to children\u2019s negative emotions did not predict children\u2019s internalizing problems<\/h3>\n<p>While supportive parenting was clearly linked to children\u2019s externalizing behaviors, we did not find a strong connection between parents\u2019 reactions and children\u2019s internalizing problems (e.g., anxiety, sadness, social withdrawal). One possible reason is that internalizing problems are much harder to detect, especially in young children.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike external behaviors (e.g., aggression, defiance), internal struggles are often subtle. Young children may have a limited ability to recognize or express their own feelings of fear, worry, or sadness. As a result, even attentive parents may not always accurately perceive when their child is struggling internally.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22121\" style=\"width: 2570px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22121\" class=\"size-full wp-image-22121\" src=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473976-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473976-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473976-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473976-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473976-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473976-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473976-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473976-356x237.jpg 356w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473976-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473976-50x33.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22121\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/focused-little-girl-drawing-on-paper-4473976\/\">Ketut Subiyanto<\/a> on Pexels<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Our study relied on parent-report questionnaires, which are a valuable tool but have limitations \u2013 particularly in terms of detecting emotional difficulties that children may hide or not yet understand themselves. Researchers may benefit from combining parent reports with more objective measures, such as physiological indicators like levels of cortisol (a hormone related to stress) or measurements of nervous system activity, to better capture young children\u2019s internal emotional experiences.<\/p>\n<h3>Parents\u2019 non-supportive reactions did not predict children\u2019s adjustment<\/h3>\n<p>Interestingly, we did not find strong evidence that non-supportive parental reactions \u2013 such as dismissing or minimizing children\u2019s negative emotions, or punishing children\u2019s for expressing such emotions \u2013 predicted children\u2019s behavioral or emotional adjustment six months later. This may seem surprising, especially given earlier research from Western countries in which non-supportive reactions have often been linked to less optimal outcomes like higher levels of aggression, lower levels of social competence, and more internalizing problems.<\/p>\n<p>One possible explanation is that the negative impact of non-supportive reactions may be less pronounced in Chinese cultural contexts. In our study, supportive and non-supportive reactions were related to each other only moderately, suggesting that a parent can be supportive in some moments and still react dismissively or punitively in others.<\/p>\n<p>In many Chinese families, emotional restraint and minimizing emotional expressions are sometimes viewed as promoting resilience and self-discipline rather than as being neglectful or harmful. As a result, Chinese children may be more accustomed to these reactions and affected less negatively by them than are children in Western cultures.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_parents_to_support_a_child_during_emotionally_charged_moments\"><\/span>Tips for parents to support a child during emotionally charged moments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When your child is navigating negative emotions, you can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Name the emotion:<\/strong> \u201cIt looks like you\u2019re feeling frustrated &#8230; That puzzle is very tricky, huh?\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stay calm and grounded:<\/strong> Children mirror adults\u2019 emotions. Your calmness gives them something to lean on.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Model coping strategies:<\/strong> \u201cLet\u2019s take a deep breath together. Sometimes that helps me when I\u2019m upset.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Validate, then guide:<\/strong> \u201cIt\u2019s okay to feel angry. Let\u2019s figure out what we can do instead of crying\/yelling.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reconnect after the storm:<\/strong> Let your child know you are still there for them, even after a challenging moment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Based on research originally published in: Wang, M., Chen, X., &amp; Zheng, S. (2024). Parental reactions to child negative emotions and child behavioral adjustment: The moderating role of child inhibitory control.\u00a0International Journal of Behavioral Development, 48(5), 422-433.\u00a0 This article is freely available exclusively for readers of the Child &amp; Family Blog for a limited period. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":333,"featured_media":22122,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5770,438],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22119"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/333"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22119"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22541,"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22119\/revisions\/22541"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/childandfamilyblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}