Thought of the Day: “Emotional safety begins at home”

Emotional safety refers to the strength behind the scenes that provides kids with the feeling of being valued, secured, and proud of who they are. In the rapidly moving world that kids are living in, with so much to do, to accomplish, to achieve, the last place where they should feel this insecurity is at home, where they should be protected, shielded, and safeguarded, in terms of emotional safety.Home is a child’s emotional foundationHome, for every child, is the first place that brings them in touch with their emotions. Home is the first place that gives them permission to laugh, cry, ask questions, and fear. This instills confidence in them to face the challenges outside with the same courage, knowing that there is a safe haven waiting for them.

Listening creates emotional securityThe best means through which children can be made to feel safe emotionally is through listening without interrupting.

Children are not always able to verbalize their emotions, and this act helps them understand that they are being taken seriously. When children are made to feel that their emotions are being recognized, it helps them feel seen by everyone in the family.Safe responses shape strong mindsChildren’s mistakes and emotional outbursts affect children greatly when responded to by adults. Children learn from the way they are treated when they make mistakes by learning that it is normal to err while learning.

Children are not afraid when they are corrected because they know they are protected emotionally when the corrections happen with care and compassion. Consistency builds trust at home It can be said that children perform well in an environment that displays consistent emotional expressions. Anger or erratic expressions of emotions confuse and frighten them. With stable rules and emotional support from their parents, children experience a sense of security and are assured of not being left alone in tough situations. Emotional safety encourages honest communicationIn emotionally secure homes, children tend to open more about their fears, errors, and doubts. They do not feel as if they will be blamed or made fools of. It is easier for parents to guide a child through his/her emotions as they feel emotionally secure. Honest communication is easier when a child feels emotionally secure. A safe home shapes the future Children are affected by the emotional atmosphere in the house and this directly relates to how children can manage relationships, stress, and feelings of self-worth when they are adults. Children who are brought up in an emotionally safe atmosphere develop into empathetic and confident people. These children understand how to treat themselves and other people with respect. Thus, by creating an emotionally safe atmosphere in the house, families are bringing about happier and healthier adults.