Try These Words The Next Time Your Child Feels Upset

Have you ever been stumped about what to say when your child is upset? Listen in as Certified Instructor Amy Speidel shares two phrases you can try the next time your child experiences emotions like sadness, anger, disappointment, or even fear.

The magic words are...

"You seem..." (take your best guess at their emotion: angry, sad, scared, disappointed, frustrated)
"You wanted..." (your best guess at what they wanted: ex. a turn with the toy, extra time on your tablet, etc.).

These phrases are part of the Skill of Empathy and specifically the D.N.A. Process, which stands for Describe, Name and Acknowledge and is the formula we use to help support a child when they are upset