Helping Children Understand and Manage Emotions

Children often experience big emotions that they struggle to express or regulate. Emotion Coaching is a proven approach that helps parents and caregivers teach children how to understand, process, and manage their feelings. At The Hummingbird Centre, we provide tailored, one-on-one Emotion Coaching sessions to empower families with practical strategies for building emotional intelligence and resilience.

What is Emotion Coaching?

Emotion Coaching, developed by Dr. John Gottman, is based on the principle that emotions are an opportunity to connect and teach. This approach helps parents respond to their child’s emotional moments with empathy and guidance, fostering stronger bonds and better emotional regulation.

Emotion Coaching involves five core steps:

1. Recognising Your Child’s Emotions: Understanding when your child is experiencing feelings they can’t yet articulate.
2. Connecting with Empathy: Validating your child’s emotions without judgment.
3. Labelling Emotions: Helping your child name what they’re feeling.
4. Setting Limits: Teaching appropriate behaviours while acknowledging feelings.
5. Problem-Solving Together: Guiding your child to resolve challenges in a constructive way.

Who Can Benefit from Emotion Coaching?

Emotion Coaching is beneficial for parents and caregivers of children who:

• Struggle with emotional outbursts or meltdowns.
• Experience anxiety or frustration.
• Have difficulty expressing their feelings constructively.
• Are navigating significant life changes, such as starting school or moving.

This approach is also effective for families looking to strengthen their communication and connection.

How We Deliver Emotion Coaching

At The Hummingbird Centre, we provide Emotion Coaching as a personalised service for parents and caregivers. In our individual sessions, we tailor the program to address your unique parenting challenges and goals. Our approach includes:

• Education: Teaching the principles of Emotion Coaching and why they work.
• Guided Practice: Role-playing and real-life examples to build your confidence in applying these skills.
• Practical Strategies: Offering tools and techniques specific to your child’s needs.
• Ongoing Support: Helping you refine your approach as you implement Emotion Coaching at home.

The Benefits of Emotion Coaching

For children, Emotion Coaching can:

• Improve emotional regulation and reduce behavioural outbursts.
• Increase resilience and the ability to manage stress.
• Foster stronger communication and problem-solving skills.
• Build self-esteem and confidence.

For parents, Emotion Coaching:

• Enhances the parent-child relationship.
• Reduces stress and frustration during challenging moments.
• Provides a framework for consistent and supportive parenting.
• Creates a calmer, more harmonious home environment.

Why Choose The Hummingbird Centre?

At The Hummingbird Centre, we understand that every family is unique. Our tailored Emotion Coaching sessions are designed to meet your specific needs, whether you’re addressing ongoing behavioural challenges or looking to strengthen your parenting skills.

Our experienced clinicians provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for parents to learn, practice, and grow. We’re here to support you in building a deeper connection with your child and creating a foundation for lifelong emotional health.

Start Your Journey with Emotion Coaching

If you’re ready to help your child navigate their emotions with confidence and resilience, Emotion Coaching at The Hummingbird Centre can provide the tools and support you need. Contact us today to learn more about our personalised sessions.