Here are seven good ideas you can use to lift your child out of their sad state:
- If your child is in a crying rut, use praise to take their mind off crying. Any minor thing they are doing correctly at the time can be used for praise.
- If possible, let your child play outside for a few minutes. Being able to run around and work off energy can make them feel happier when they come back inside.
- Use a metaphoric routine to 'get rid of the bad emotions'. Gently play with them and put them through an imaginary wash and spin cycle to cleanse away their sadness.
- Simply take the time to listen to your child's reasons for being sad. Very often parents are concerned about rushing to solve a problem that they perceive instead of letting their child tell them what it is at their own pace.
- Encourage your child to seek and find joy in being socially active. Being around friends and family is a good way for a child to lift themselves out of an emotional trough.
- If your child is fairly young, you can pretend to turn them into their favourite dish, like pizza or fish and chips. By making a fun physical game out of it, your child will feel happier. The pleasant, comforting association with food also helps.
- If you are driving and your child is upset or sad, you can roll down the windows to 'let out all the bad feelings'. This is a great way for your child to experience emotional release while confined to their car seat.