For example, if you find yourself on hold with customer service and feeling impatient, tell your child, “I really hate being on hold; it’s very annoying. But I’m going to take a few deep breaths and I’ll calm down.” Showing your child your self-control in the moment can be a powerful lesson. You can even work on those skills with your child when she’s not angry. Talking about coping skills like counting or taking deep breaths while they are calm will give your child practice and a skill your child can turn to when she’s upset. You can also talk about the times you haven’t succeeded with your self-management to show your child that this is a learned skill that requires work.
Help Your Child With Stress Management
As your child ages, your child may begin to feel stress as a result of more demanding coursework or the increased social pressures that come with the pre-teen years. You can help your child find ways to reduce stress. For example, if she’s worried about a test, there may be an opportunity to speak with the teacher beforehand or for their to study with a classmate. You may even want to explore physical exercise as a way to manage stress. Many people find simply walking or jogging a great stress release. Teacher Anne Harlam recommends children’s yoga as a fun way for children to relax. The next time your child seems stressed or upset, ask their to join you on a walk, or for a game of basketball, and see if getting their blood pumping also helps to distract their from stress.
Ask Your Child to Help With Small Tasks Around the House, Like Setting the Table or Laying Out Clothes for School the Next Day
Discussing and following through on simple routines and tasks helps develop their self-management and goal-setting skills. It’s teaching order, organization and time management on a small level by having your child work through a set of tasks to complete a goal.
Pay Attention to Your Child's Behavior
New York City-based teacher Anne Harlam says your child may not always communicate their feelings, but their actions and behaviors may offer clues. For example, if you notice your child gets stressed or acts out on days they have tests, sports practice, or music lessons, it means your child feels more pressure in these situations than you knew. Noting possible causes of their stress or other emotions can help you find ways to help their manage those feelings.
4th Grade Self-Management Skills
Self-management allows your child to develop their ability to control their behavior and mood, which can be very empowering. It also covers skills like impulse control, goal-setting, and perseverance.