How can I respond when my child expresses emotions I personally find uncomfortable?

Our natural tendency may be to divert attention, brush off, or hurry over a child’s expression of feelings that make us uncomfortable, such as rage, grief, anxiety, or intense sadness. This frequently results from our own unresolved emotions rather than neglect. But the first step towards emotional development is pausing to observe our own response. Breathe slowly. Make room for the child’s emotions rather than attempting to control or rectify them. It is your responsibility to provide a safe harbour for the emotion to land in, not to solve it. Children brought up in this type of setting eventually come to understand that while all emotions are legitimate, not all behaviours are. They discover how to deal with difficult feelings without feeling guilty. The ability to remain present even when it feels uncomfortable is the cornerstone of emotional resilience.