Negative emotions like sadness, anger, fear, self-doubt are natural to human being and toxic positivity is the type of positivity that gives no room for these feelings. It buries every negative emotion with a blanket of positivity which blows up into life long problems and emotionally broken people . Here’s how to avoid toxic positivity with our kids as parents.
HOW TO AVOID TOXIC POSITIVITY
- Listen attentively while your child is talking.
- Ask questions to help them name and identify their emotions.
- Don’t personalize it. Especially if you have had a similar experience in the past.
- Don’t downplay their feelings. Instead, validate it.
Say;
I know it must be really painful your favorite toy broke. What can I do to make you feel better?”
Instead of;
“Be grateful and content! Some don’t even have wat to it”
Say;
We can’t afford what you want right now. We will be happy to get it for you when we can.
Never use other people’s reality to undermine your child’s feelings.
