Parents Handling Children's Emotions

A University of Illinois study (detailed in Child Development, September-October 2007 issue) indicates that how parents handle a young child’s emotions can help the child gain experience in properly managing emotions. The researchers studied kindergartners and concluded that "When a young child is angry, sad, or frustrated, the best scenario seems to be if one parent comforts and problem-solves with the child while the other parent hangs back a bit and gives the child space to process what he's feeling," according to Nancy McElwain, a U of I assistant professor of human development (as reported in the Daily Science Digest).

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070927133324.htm