When a child exposes their vulnerabilities — and in this case we are talking about the vulnerability of expressing true emotions — how does the caregiver respond? Does the caregiver become angry or dysregulated themselves, or do they approach the child with an air of calm confidence?
A reassuring approach can signal to the child: "Oh, you're feeling sad? I have seen this before, and this is something I can handle. We can get through this together." We want parents to approach their children in a manner that emphasises compassion toward one's self and a calm or neutral energy, said Maria Gregory, a licenced educational psychologist. We want children to experience adults as helpful and safe. They need to know that the adult is bigger, stronger, wiser, and kind.