How to teach your child to calm down and relax. Here are 3 parenting tips.

Whether through verbal communication or creative self-expression, teaching a child to calm down and process their feelings is imperative to his overall development. But getting a child to do that is typically easier said than done. So, to help you out, we’ve gathered a few techniques to help you and your child build their communication skills and lessen — and hopefully eliminate — their tantrums altogether.

1. Speak calmly.

One practical and rewarding way to get your child to calm down and relax is to speak to them calmly. If your child is behaving hysterically, calmly explain that you would like to hear what they're saying but can't understand what’s being said when he is tantrums. Once your child has calmed down, take a moment to work through what he is feeling. Doing this will take time, but by being patient and talking him through it, your child will learn to process his feelings and not immediately react. 

2. Practice.

Practicing yoga or meditation is another great way to teach your child to calm down and relax. Not only is yoga good for their physical well-being, but it will get them into the habit of breathing and listening to their bodies. You can include calming activities on an online or mobile chore tracker. With active practice, they will learn to notice when they're getting worked up and take the necessary steps to calm themselves back down. If further incentive is required, you could also implement a universal wishlist like Wishfinity so your child can work towards that prize they desire.

3. Express through art.

Art is another way to encourage positive self-expression. For children — specifically toddlers — who are too young to articulate what it is they are feeling, art may be the greatest outlet they have. If possible, set aside time each afternoon for fun art projects. During this time, your child will not only have fun, but they will also learn how to express themselves positively. You can also use that time to talk to them about what they’re feeling, helping them place words on the feeling. When your kids have reached school age, sitting with them after school while they color, draw, paint, sculpt, or write about their day will teach them to release whatever has happened and enter into a clean, relaxed evening.