😊Tips on Holding Space for Your Child

-

 


This morning parents were sitting in my playroom. Rather desperate. Saying things like this: "She is only 5 years old, but we don't understand her." "She doesn't talk to us" "Some days are good days, but the bad days are too many" "We don't know what to do"

Later 3 words came up for me. "To hold space"   What does that mean?. How do I hold the space for a 5-year-old child that is struggling in her own space, with no understanding, no words? That motivated me to find out how can I hold space with the children I am working with.


  🎈  Be Present: When children want to talk or shar e something, be fully present and attentive. Put away distractions like phones and give them your undivided attention. Maintain eye contact and offer verbal and non-verbal cues to show that you are actively listening.

  💕  Practice Empathy: Empathy is crucial in holding space for your child. Try to understand their perspective and validate their emotions, even if you may not fully agree or comprehend their feelings. Show that you accept their emotions as valid.
   🥀 Avoid Judgment: Refrain from being judgmental or critical of your child's thoughts or emotions. Remember that holding space is about providing a safe and non-threatening environment for them to express themselves honestly.
😤Stay Calm and Patient: Children may not always communicate effectively or immediately open up. Be patient and avoid rushing them to share. Stay calm and composed, even during challenging conversations.
🌈Reflect and Summarize: To show that you truly understand your child, reflect on their feelings and thoughts. Summarize what they've shared to let them know you've been actively listening.
🦜Encourage Emotional Expression: Foster an environment where emotions are accepted and embraced. Let your child know it's okay to feel and express their emotions, even if they are difficult or uncomfortable.
✋🏼Set Boundaries: While holding space involves being open and non-judgmental, it's essential to establish boundaries to ensure conversations remain respectful and constructive.
🧑🏾‍🎓Resist the Urge to Fix: As parents, it's natural to want to solve our children's problems, but holding space is about allowing them to navigate their emotions and challenges on their own terms. Instead of providing immediate solutions, ask questions that can help them explore their feelings and thoughts.

Enjoy exploring "holding space" for your child.💕

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

🦋Attachment: 4 basic ingredients: "Four S's: seen, safe, soothed, secure......

-
Image
🦋🦋 🌈T he concept of the "Four S's" stands out as a framework for understanding how healthy relationships and minds are formed. These Four S's — "Safe, Seen, Soothed, and Secure" — delve deep into the fundamental elements that shape our emotional well-being and our interactions with the world around us. These are essential ingredients parent-child relationship and the development of the child. 🌷1. Safe: Feeling safe is a fundamental human need that forms the cornerstone of emotional health and resilience. When individuals feel safe, whether in their relationships or environments, they are better equipped to explore, learn, and express themselves authentically. For children, feeling safe is crucial for healthy brain development, enabling them to form secure attachments and navigate the challenges of life with greater confidence. 😍2. Seen: To feel "seen" is to experience genuine recognition and validation from others. When we feel seen, we devel
Read more

Titel: Parenting and self-compassion.💕

-
Image
Parenting is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in life. While it comes with joy and fulfillment, it can also be overwhelming, stressful, and guilt-inducing. In the midst of these challenges, self-compassion emerges as a powerful tool that can help parents navigate the rocky terrain of raising children. In this blog, we'll explore what self-compassion is, how to apply it in your parenting journey, and when to do so. What is Self-Compassion? Self-compassion, as defined by Dr. Kristin Neff, is the practice of treating yourself with the same kindness, care, and understanding that you'd offer to a good friend. It involves recognizing your own suffering and responding with empathy rather than harsh self-criticism. In the context of parenting, self-compassion means being gentle with yourself when things don't go as planned, accepting your imperfections, and acknowledging that you're doing your best with the resources you have. How to Apply Self-
Read more

Unlocking the Power of Journaling

-
Image
  In a world where we're all zipping around like caffeinated squirrels, dealing with life's curveballs, and trying to keep our heads above water, it's super easy to forget about the deep, emotional layers that make us who we are. But hey, there's a solution to this dilemma – journaling! It's like your very own therapist but without the bill. Whether you're battling stress, anxiety, or just curious about what's lurking in the depths of your mind, journaling is here to save the day. In this blog, we'll dive into why journaling is the bomb for your mental and emotional well-being. So, what's journaling, you ask? Well, it's basically jotting down your thoughts, feelings, and life adventures in a diary or journal. It's your personal, judgment-free zone where you can spill your guts without worrying about anyone giving you side-eye. The cool thing about journaling is that it's like a blank canvas – there are no strict rules or guidelines, so yo
Read more