Responding, Not Reacting: Nurturing Our Children’s Behaviours

Let’s take a moment to talk about the power of responding, rather than reacting, to our children’s behaviours. As we navigate this incredible journey of fostering, it’s crucial to remember the profound impact we can have on the lives of the children entrusted to our care.
“‘This is centre to therapeutic parenting. So many things can trigger our brain into reacting. Often, before we know it ourselves, we have reacted to something, and our parenting is not at its best. The children you care for will best learn to response more and react less by seeing you do this first.’”
The go-to Therapeutic Parenting Handbook for Foster Carers
We’ve all been there – faced with challenging behaviours that may trigger our emotions. But it’s in those moments that we can make a real difference by choosing to respond thoughtfully, rather than react impulsively. Here’s why it matters:
- Connection and Trust: When we respond, we create a space for genuine connection. By acknowledging their emotions and concerns, we show our children that we genuinely care about their well-being. This fosters trust, allowing them to open up and confide in us more freely.
- Emotional Regulation: Our children often mirror our own emotional states. By responding calmly and empathetically, we model healthy emotional regulation. This helps them learn how to manage their own emotions and find constructive ways to express themselves.
- Problem Solving: Reacting in the heat of the moment can escalate tensions and hinder problem-solving. By responding, we encourage a more collaborative approach. We can work together with our children to understand the underlying reasons for their behaviours and find effective solutions.
- Building Self-Esteem: Responding to behaviours in a supportive manner enhances our children’s self-esteem. When they feel heard, understood, and respected, they are more likely to develop a positive self-image and believe in their own abilities.
- Long-Term Impact: Our responses today shape the behaviours and attitudes our children carry into adulthood. By choosing to respond thoughtfully, we lay the groundwork for healthier relationships and emotional well-being in their future lives.
So, let’s remind ourselves of the power we hold in shaping the lives of our incredible children and young people.
As we encounter challenging behaviours, let’s pause, take a breath, and respond with compassion, empathy, patience, and understanding.
Together, we can make a lasting impact and help our children thrive.
Please share your thoughts, experiences, and any helpful tips you’ve discovered along the way. Let’s support each other and continue to grow our community as nurturing Foster Carers!