The Busy Mom’s Guide to Raising Emotionally Aware Children

As a mom of four and a mom life coach, I understand the unique challenges and rewards that come with raising children. One of the most important aspects of child development that I’ve come across both in my professional and personal life is social emotional awareness.

Social emotional awareness is the ability to understand and manage our emotions and to empathize with the emotions of others. It’s a crucial skill that forms the foundation of many other life skills, including self-confidence, resilience, empathy, and the ability to form healthy relationships.

However, as busy moms, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, from work deadlines to household chores, making it challenging to focus on nurturing this essential skill in our children. Not to mention, the ‘mom guilt’ we carry for always thinking we should be doing more.

That’s why I’ve put together this blog to give you a collection of insights, tips, and activities designed to help busy moms like us raise emotionally aware kids.

So, let’s embark on this journey together to raise children who are not only emotionally aware but also resilient, empathetic, and ready to face the world.

The Importance of Social Emotional Awareness in Our Children

In the fast-paced world of parenting, it’s easy to focus on the tangible aspects of our children’s growth - their physical health, academic progress, and extracurricular pursuits. However, an equally crucial aspect of their development lies in the realm of emotions and social interactions - their social emotional awareness.

Social emotional awareness refers to the ability to identify, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as to empathize with the emotions of others. It’s the foundation upon which many other life skills are built, including self-confidence, resilience, empathy, and the ability to form healthy relationships.

Why is this so important? Firstly, children with a strong sense of social emotional awareness tend to have better emotional health. They can navigate their feelings, understand why they’re feeling a certain way, and express those feelings in a constructive manner. This emotional literacy not only helps them handle their feelings better but also leads to lower levels of stress and anxiety.

Secondly, social emotional awareness fosters empathy and understanding. Children begin to recognize that just as they have their own feelings and emotions, so do others. This understanding can lead to more compassionate interactions, promoting positive relationships with peers, family, and teachers.

Lastly, social emotional awareness is key to responsible decision-making. Children who understand their emotions are better equipped to make decisions that are not just reactive, but thoughtful and considerate of their own and others’ feelings.

As parents, we have the unique opportunity to nurture this awareness in our children, setting them up for success in their personal and social lives. It may seem like a daunting task, especially for us busy moms, but with the right tools and strategies, it’s an achievable goal.

Practical Tips for Busy Moms

Raising emotionally aware children might seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities. But don’t worry, here are some practical tips that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine:

1. Embrace the Feelings Rollercoaster

• Tip: Embrace the Feelings Rollercoaster

• Why?: Kids’ emotions can change faster than a toddler’s favorite toy.

• How?: Buckle up and ride alongside them. When they’re ecstatic about a new crayon color, celebrate with them. When they’re upset because their sandwich got cut into squares instead of triangles, empathize. Validate their feelings, even if it seems like a tiny crisis. Remember, to them, it’s Everest.

2. Label Those Emotions

• Tip: Label Those Emotions

• Why?: Sometimes kids feel like they’re in a wordless maze of feelings.

• How?: Give those emotions names. “You seem frustrated,” or “I see you’re feeling excited!” It’s like handing them a map to navigate their emotional labyrinth. Plus, it’s a great way to expand their vocabulary beyond “hungry” and “poopy.”

3. The “Feelings Check-In” Routine

• Tip: The “Feelings Check-In” Routine

• Why?: Busy days can blur emotions. It’s like trying to read a novel while riding a rollercoaster.

• How?: Set aside a few minutes each day (maybe during snack time or bedtime) for a feelings check-in. Ask, “How did today’s emotions feel?” Let them express joy, frustration, or even that mysterious feeling they can’t quite describe (probably a mix of unicorn sparkles and dinosaur roars).

4. Storytime with Emotional Superheroes

• Tip: Storytime with Emotional Superheroes

• Why?: Books are magical portals to empathy.

• How?: Read stories featuring characters who navigate emotions. Meet Captain Compassion, who rescues hurt feelings, and Empathy Elephant, who wears oversized heart-shaped sunglasses. Discuss the characters’ feelings and how they handle them. Bonus points if you do superhero voices!

5. Modeling Behavior When We Lose Our Sh*t

• Tip: Modeling Behavior When We Lose Our Sh*t

• Why?: Because even superheroes have their “Hulk smash” moments.

• How?: When you feel your inner volcano erupting, pause. Take a deep breath (or three). Then, unleash your inner Gandalf: “You shall not pass!” Model how to manage frustration, apologize when needed, and show that emotions are like thunderstorms—they pass, and the sun eventually shines again.

6. Creating Consistent Routines

• Tip: Creating Consistent Routines

• Why?: Kids thrive on predictability. It’s like their emotional security blanket.

• How?: Design routines like a symphony conductor. Set consistent meal times, bedtime rituals, and even “Mommy’s sanity breaks.” When they know what’s coming, they feel grounded. Plus, routines magically transform chaos into harmony (most of the time).

7. Praising Efforts, Not Perfection

• Tip: Praising Efforts, Not Perfection

• Why?: Because life isn’t a Pinterest board, and neither are our kids.

• How?: When they build a Lego tower that leans like the Tower of Pisa, cheer! Say, “Wow, you worked so hard on that! Look at your effort!” Celebrate their persistence, creativity, and the fact that they didn’t eat the Lego (bonus points).

8. The “Feelings Art Gallery” Wall

• Tip: The “Feelings Art Gallery” Wall

• Why?: Art is a canvas for emotions.

• How?: Create a wall where kids can display their emotional masterpieces. Finger-painted joy, crayon-scribbled frustration, glitter-glued excitement—it’s all welcome. Celebrate their emotional creativity. And if they accidentally glue their hand to the wall, that’s a masterpiece too.

Remember, every child is unique and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient, keep trying different strategies, and don’t forget that raising emotionally aware kids isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection.

Conclusion: Nurturing Little Hearts

As we sip lukewarm coffee, juggle snack requests, and referee sibling squabbles, we’re also shaping the emotional minds of our little ones. Here are the key takeaways to tuck into your mom-jean pockets:

Embrace the Messy Moments

• Feelings are like glitter: They get everywhere. It’s okay if your living room resembles a confetti explosion of emotions. Your child’s tears, laughter, and “I don’t want to wear socks!” declarations—they’re all part of the masterpiece you’re co-creating.

You’re the Emotional GPS

• Navigate with love: When your child’s emotional GPS goes haywire, be their recalibration station. Show them that feelings are like road signs—they guide us, even when the route is bumpy. And when you lose your way (because mom brain is real), it’s okay to ask for directions too.

Tiny Moments, Big Impact

• The magic of bedtime stories: Those whispered tales under the moonlight? They’re not just about dragons and princesses. They’re about empathy, courage, and understanding. Each story plants a seed in their hearts, ready to bloom when they face life’s dragons.

You’re Their Emotional Role Model

• Mommy meltdowns happen: When you accidentally microwave a plastic plate or step on a Lego, it’s okay to lose your cool. But here’s the secret: Your child watches. They see how you recover, apologize, and laugh about it later. You’re teaching resilience, one burnt toast at a time.

Mom Life Coaching: Your Next Adventure

• Ready for the next level?: As a mom life coach, I’m here to cheer you on. Let’s dive deeper into emotional intelligence, self-care, and creating a harmonious home. Because when moms thrive, kids flourish.

Let’s Connect!

• Join my tribe: Visit my website, where coffee stains and messy buns are welcome. Sign up for coaching sessions and/or check-out my workbooks for both you and your kids. Let’s build a community of heart-centered moms who raise emotionally aware kids—one giggle, one tear, and one deep breath at a time.

Remember, mama, you’re not just raising kids; you’re nurturing future kindness warriors, empathy architects, and love ambassadors. So, chin up, heart open, and keep sprinkling stardust on those little souls.

With love, laughter, and a side of chocolate (because chocolate heals everything),