Nursery World - Emotional rescue

How do you handle children's feelings when you're trying to get hold of your own? Jennie Lindon examines the delicate area of expressing emotion for both child and adult In your time with the children, everyone's feelings are as much part of the day as play activities and outings. As adults we may tend to recall only the feelings that are tougher for us to handle. Perhaps three-year-old Joshua became very frustrated in the storytelling session in the library and announced at full volume, 'When is that woman going to finish? I'm so bored!' Your handling of the incident may become complicated if you feel embarrassed. Worse, your unease may also make this event more important than the time when Joshua was thrilled by the rainbow and you were so pleased to enjoy the sight with him.

In your time with the children, everyone's feelings are as much part of the day as play activities and outings. As adults we may tend to recall only the feelings that are tougher for us to handle. Perhaps three-year-old Joshua became very frustrated in the storytelling session in the library and announced at full volume, 'When is that woman going to finish? I'm so bored!' Your handling of the incident may become complicated if you feel embarrassed. Worse, your unease may also make this event more important than the time when Joshua was thrilled by the rainbow and you were so pleased to enjoy the sight with him.

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