About Lesson
Key Message:
Kids look to you for emotional stability. Understanding how to manage your emotions—and helping your kids manage theirs—is key to successful single parenthood.
Discussion Points:
- Recognizing your own emotions: anger, sadness, guilt, fear.
- Helping your kids process emotions: How to listen and validate their feelings without judgment.
- Using “feeling words” to help kids express emotions.
Video Prompt:
Title: “Handling Emotions: Yours and Theirs”
Length: ~8–10 minutes
Script Example:
“It’s okay to feel angry, sad, or overwhelmed. But what we do with those emotions matters. For your kids, you’re their emotional anchor. Let’s learn how to handle those big feelings in a way that strengthens your relationship.”
Action Steps:
- Feelings Chart Activity:
- Create a feelings chart with your child. Use simple words like “happy,” “sad,” “angry,” “scared,” and encourage them to point to what they’re feeling.
- Active Listening Practice:
-
- Practice active listening by responding to your child’s feelings with validation.
- Example:
- Child: “I miss Mom.”
- Dad: “I know. It’s okay to miss her. It’s hard when things change, isn’t it?”