How to manage emotions as a family?

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Even though we have always heard that emotions need to be controlled, we actually need to manage them. “Emotions can be handled, not controlled. They are necessary and natural in human beings”, explains Elizabeth Muñoz Londoño, School Coexistence Coordinator.

 

“Emotions shape the way in which we react to daily situations”, she explains. It is ok to experience them, but we have to learn how to manage our response so that they don’t get out of control. “When we are little, they are a lot stronger. As time goes by, we learn to regulate them. For example, we don’t react with tears anymore because when we learn to speak, we can express ourselves differently”. On the other hand, coexistence also gives us other ideas on how to manage emotions.

“Families can learn. Besides their relationship with each other, they learn about self-knowledge, how to react and how others react”.

 

What the expert recommends is not to suppress emotions, and in order to achieve an adequate management as a family, it is proposed to:
  • Invite the other person to communicate his/her emotions. It will always be better to explain why you act one way or another.
  • Understand that every member of the family reacts differently to similar situations.
  • Know how each member of the family reacts to each situation so that you can help them manage their emotions.
  • Develop effective communication. Listen to the other person and don’t judge him/her.
  • Express affection because this generates a bond.
  • Everyone’s self-esteem is important. Think before you speak.
  • Create a healthy and positive environment inside your household. It is good to talk about emotions before people experience them.
  • Provide spaces for each person to manage his/her emotions. Remember that they must not be suppressed.
  • Carry out activities that help the members of your family manage their emotions. You could try role- playing games, board games and others.