Book Recommendation: The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Proven Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson.
As parents, caregivers, and professionals, we’ve all seen children experience big emotions—whether it’s frustration, fear, or sadness. In these moments, their reactions may seem overwhelming, but we have a book recommendation which may support you with managing this…
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Proven Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson.
This book suggests that a strategy which can help is: “Name It to Tame It.” We have previously recommended another book by these authors- No-Drama Discipline. Go check this post out for more information!
This concept is based on brain science. When children feel intense emotions, the emotional part of the brain (the “downstairs brain”) takes over, making it difficult for them to think clearly or regulate their feelings. By helping children put their emotions into words, we activate the logical part of the brain (the “upstairs brain”), which allows them to process and calm down.
How to Use “Name It to Tame It”:
1. Validate First
- Instead of dismissing their feelings, acknowledge them. Try saying, “I can see that you’re really upset right now.”
2. Encourage Storytelling
- Help them describe what happened. If a child is too young, you can gently narrate: “You fell off the swing, and that was really scary for you.”
3. Label the Emotion
- Give their feelings a name: “It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated because you wanted another turn.”
4. Offer Comfort
- Once they feel understood, they’ll be more open to problem-solving or reassurance.
By helping children recognize and verbalize their emotions, we teach them emotional resilience and self-regulation—skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
If you’d like more strategies on supporting children’s emotional well-being, The Link is here to help!