Children can be protected from toxic emotions

 When children experience fundamental emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, guilt and shame, and joy, it is crucial that these feelings are met with appropriate responses. Providing the correct support and acknowledgement helps condition them to recognise and address their own needs as they grow. This process equips young people with the skills necessary to manage their emotions independently as they mature.

Responding to children’s emotions in a healthy manner prevents these natural feelings from becoming toxic. For instance, sadness can turn into depression, fear can develop into anxiety, anger may escalate into aggression, joy can become toxic positivity, and guilt and shame might evolve into toxic shame. By addressing these emotions properly, we safeguard children against such outcomes.

It is possible to protect children from experiencing these harmful emotional states. This can be achieved by understanding and consistently applying simple steps tailored to each individual emotion. Adhering to this approach preserves emotions in their natural, beneficial form, ensuring children develop resilience and emotional well-being.

If you would like more information about the appropriate responses required for each emotion, check out my book ‘The Cycle of Life’.

The Workings of The Emotional System