Understanding emotions and behaviour - Support for Parents from Action For Children

If you are finding your child’s behaviour difficult to cope with, there are some things you can do.

Meltdowns are an involuntary emotional response to overwhelm. Your child will need you to help them regain control of their feelings.

Writing a behaviour diary to track your child’s behaviour can help you spot patterns and access support.

Tantrums are emotional outbursts that show your child needs or wants something. Understanding their needs can help calm your child.

Separation anxiety is when your child feels upset or fearful about being away from you. You can help them understand.

At times of stress, children may struggle to manage their emotions. This can lead to anger.

Behaviour can be challenging for any parent. Adoptive parents and foster carers may face extra challenges with children who’ve experienced trauma.

Body image is our view of how we look, and how that makes us feel.

Every child needs time on their own now and again. But sometimes young people feel some sadness about being alone.

Young people can feel stressed by school work, falling out with friends or changes in family life.

Everyday things can cause anxious thoughts. When this is more severe, it can sometimes be referred to as anxiety.

When someone has low self-esteem, they’re more likely to think negatively about their abilities and worth.