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Easy Ways to Help Your Child With These Common Emotional Challenges

There are so many challenges kids face in their daily routine.


In my work as an occupational therapist, I have been having kids create a gauntlet (download a gauntlet template here) just like Joseph’s in Mission: CONTROL! A Big Feelings Adventure!


Below, I have listed some of the most common challenges they struggle with as well as the most popular strategies they use to get in control.


Common Challenges Kids Face


Every parent knows what their child struggles with the most. It can feel frustrating when your child isn't listening, doing what’s expected, or accepting your “no”.


Other things children struggle with include: avoiding work that requires effort, maintaining personal space, practicing hard things, stopping a fun activity, starting something that isn't fun, staying focused, trying new things, waiting, showing respect for people and property, sharing with siblings, cooperating for morning and evening routines, staying at the table for mealtime, cleaning up toys, turning off screens, and arguing/negotiating.


Does any of that sound familiar? Here are some of the best strategies that you can easily do, model, and teach.


Strategies Parents Can Use Every Day


Help your child work through by trying one of these tactics.


  • Move on

  • Breathe

  • Use words

  • Ask for help

  • Listen

  • Think of others

  • Ask for a break

  • Do something you like

  • Move your body

  • Pause

  • Do something different

  • Try again and change something

  • Listen to music

  • Dance


Practicing self-talk is very important!


Here are some things to say when practicing self-talk.

I can do hard things, Just do it, I got this, Stop, Just do it, I’m safe.


Get ready to "BLAST OFF" with Joseph and Gretchen in their exciting big feelings adventure "Mission: CONTROL! A Big Feelings Adventure!" Buy your copy here.

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