On 14 March, 2018, we held a seminar for parents on supporting their child’s emotional development The parents who attended shared some of their own advice and tips for supporting children and their emotions

1. #BarnardosParenting
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Supporting
your child’s
emotional
development:
advice from
parents

2. Welcome!On 14 March, 2018, we held a seminar for parents on
supporting their child’s emotional development
The parents who attended shared some of their own advice and tips
for supporting children
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3. What do you do to get
your child to open up
and talk?
We asked parents to share how they do it, and they said...
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4. “
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One on one time; a walk, hot
chocolate (in a café!) or in the car.

5. “
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● Ask open ended questions
● Tell them of when I was a
similar age, in a similar situation.
● Offer them the opportunity to
write it down/draw it if they
can’t speak/identify the feeling.

6. “
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At dinner time each night each family member
share the highs and lows of their day.
Don’t do a ‘sit down’ chat. We bring up topics
and questions while engaged in other
activities e.g. walking home from school, car
ride, while kicking the ball around at the park.

7. “
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Ask questions about their day that
don’t have yes or no answers.

8. How do you cheer up
your child when they’re
feeling down?
We asked parents to share their tips, and they said...
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9. “
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● Hug
● Allow the feeling
● What can we do to prevent
future upset?

10. “
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I sing to my baby.
Cuddle him and take his mind off it
with a toy or book.

11. “
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I use humour sometimes; I act the eejit, say
funny things, mimic myself or them (if it’s the
right situation!)
I try to give them the words to express the
feeling, let them know I love them and wish I
could make it better.

12. What is your top tip as a
parent on how to help a
child realise their
potential?
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13. “
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● Get off the phone! Talk to the
child beside you.
● Don’t give the phone or tablet to
the child in the buggy.

14. “
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For younger kids read a
bedtime story every night if
you can. It turns into a lovely
snuggly chatty time.

15. “
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Make time every day to
communicate with your child.

16. “
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Let them be who they are.

17. For lots more, see our
#BarnardosParenting
Twitter Moment