What is a best practice to follow if a child is upset?

When a child is upset, understanding and comforting them is the most effective approach. This practice acknowledges their feelings, which can provide a sense of security and validation. By engaging with the child and showing empathy, you help them to feel heard and understood. This connection can be crucial to soothing their distress and can lead to more effective emotional regulation.

Comforting a child often involves physical presence, such as kneeling to their level, making eye contact, and using a calm voice. These actions demonstrate to the child that they are not alone in their feelings, which can significantly help them process their emotions and create a supportive environment.

Other methods like ignoring the child may exacerbate feelings of isolation, while simply telling a child to stop crying can invalidate their emotions and discourage open communication. Diverting attention with a movie might temporarily distract the child, but it does not address the underlying feelings or teach them how to cope with their emotions effectively. Engaging with empathy and support is the best way to help a child manage their feelings in a constructive manner.