Tools for Handling Emotions

1. Acknowledge Feelings with Words
   • "You were looking forward to that playdate. How disappointing!"
   • "It can be so frustrating when train tracks fall apart."
     
2. Acknowledge Feelings with Writing
   • "Oh no! We don't have the ingredients we need! Let's make a shopping list."
   • "You really want that underwater Lego set. Let's write that down on your wish list."
     
3. Acknowledge Feelings with Art
   • "You seem so sad." (Draw a stick figure with big tears, or simply hand over a crayon or pencil.)
   • "You are this angry!" (Make angry lines or rip and crumple paper.)
     
     
4. Give in Fantasy What You Cannot Give in Reality
   • "I wish we had a million billion more hours to play."
     
     
5. Acknowledge Feelings with (Almost) Silent Attention
   • "Ugh!" "Mmm." "Ooh." "Huh."

VERY IMPORTANT POINTS

• All feelings can be accepted. Some actions must be limited!
• Sit on those "buts."
  • Substitute: "the problem is..." or "Even though you know..."
• Match the emotion. Be dramatic!
• Resist the urge to ask questions of a distressed child.