Parenting on Pointਨਮੂਨਾ

Nurturing Emotional Health

I was grateful for the reminder that nurturing emotional health isn’t always about fixing the problem but about being present, listening well, and helping our kids find comfort and strength in God’s love. Like most men, I am not naturally good at this and must be intentional to be helpful.

Emotional health is foundational to a child's overall well-being and development. It affects their relationships, their ability to learn, and how they see themselves and others. As parents, nurturing emotional health begins with understanding that God created emotions, and they are a natural part of our human experience. Helping children understand and manage their emotions, not stuff them or let them out uncontrollably, is one of the most important gifts we can give them.

Start by teaching your children that it's okay to have emotions. Anger, sadness, frustration, and joy are all part of life, and it is important to experience and express them in healthy ways. Remind them that even Jesus felt a range of emotions, from weeping at Lazarus' tomb to feeling overwhelmed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Our emotions matter to God because He cares for us deeply.

Create an environment where emotions can be openly discussed without judgment or criticism. Encourage your children to name their feelings, helping them to build an emotional vocabulary. This not only helps them recognize what they are feeling but also gives them the words to express it to others. Teach your children to pray about their emotions. Encourage them to talk to God about how they are feeling, whether they are angry, sad, or happy. This helps them develop a habit of seeking God in all circumstances and trusting Him with their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Discuss practical strategies with your kids for managing difficult emotions, such as taking deep breaths, going for a walk, writing in a journal, or listening to calming music. For boys, sometimes just getting some physical exercise resets them. Equip them with tools that help them navigate their feelings, and remind them that it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

Make it a habit to check in with each other about how everyone is feeling. This fosters a sense of belonging and shows your children that they are loved and valued, no matter what they are feeling.

Lastly, praying over your kids when they are emotionally out of sorts is always a good idea. If they are too worked up for that, you can pray for them on your own. You can also pray over them when they are sleeping at night, asking God to give them peace and give you wisdom on how to navigate their emotions.

Dear Lord, thank You for caring about every detail of our lives, including our emotions. Help me to nurture emotional health in my children and to model it in my own life. Teach us to turn to You with our feelings and to find comfort in Your love. Guide us in becoming a family that expresses emotions in ways that honor You. In Jesus' name, Amen.