Raising children is not only about caring for their physical well-being, but also about supporting their emotional development. Validating feelings plays a key role in this process, helping children understand that their emotions are important and deserve attention. This article will discuss this in more detail. And if your child loves IT technologies, we are looking forward to seeing him at Progkids!
What is validation of feelings
Feeling validation is the process of recognizing and accepting another person's emotions as significant and valid. This is an important aspect of emotional support that helps people feel heard and understood. Validation does not mean agreeing with the behavior caused by these feelings, but emphasizes that emotions themselves have a right to exist.
Why do we need validation of feelings
Validating feelings plays a key role in building trust and helps create an atmosphere of security and mutual understanding. This is important both on the personal front and in professional interactions. Validation helps people deal with difficult emotions and situations more constructively.
What does validation of feelings mean
Recognition
Acknowledging that the other person's feelings are real and matter, even if they're different from your own.
Empathy
The ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and try to understand their feelings and emotions.
Active listening
This is when you can listen carefully to the person you are talking to without interrupting or judging them, demonstrating understanding through non-verbal cues or rephrasing what has been said.
Support
You can support a person emotionally and let them know that their feelings matter.
Absence of criticism
You don't devalue or criticize the other person's feelings, even if they seem inappropriate and exaggerated to you.
How to validate a child's feelings
1. Listen carefully without interrupting. Show that you're really interested in what he says.
2. Try to put yourself in the child's shoes and understand their feelings. This will help you better understand his emotions.
3. Recognize your child's feelings as meaningful and valid.
Say that you understand how hard it is for him and that you share his sadness.
4. Repeat in your own words what the child said to show that you can hear him. For example, “Are you disappointed that your friend didn't wait for you after school?”
5. Offer support and show a willingness to help understand the situation. For example, say “I'm willing to listen to you if you want to talk.”
6. Don't use phrases like “It's okay,” “It'll be soon,” etc. Instead, affirm your child's right to feel that way.
7. Respect your child's emotions, even if they are different from yours and seem inappropriate to you.
8. Create a climate of trust so that the child feels they can speak out without fear of criticism or judgment.
Examples of validation of feelings
Here are some examples of how a child's feelings can be validated:
Listen without judgment
“I can see this is really important to you. Let's talk about this.”
Acknowledge emotions
“I understand you're feeling upset. This is normal in a situation like this.”
Paraphrase
“You say you're disappointed with what happened. Did I understand that right?”
Express empathy
“I'm sorry you went through this. This is really hard.”
Confirm the importance of feelings
“Your feelings matter and I'm here to support you.”
Respect his feelings
“I respect your feelings and want to help you understand the situation.”
Offer support
“If you need to talk or discuss something, I'm always ready to listen.”
Avoid depreciation
“I understand why you're so worried.”
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