It’s all too easy to reach for a smartphone, tablet, or TV when your child is having a meltdown. Digital pacifiers may offer instant relief, but they’re not a long-term solution. In fact, they could be making it harder for your child to learn how to regulate their emotions.
Music teacher and founder of Mini Mozart, Clare Shaw, highlights that early childhood is a critical time for learning self-regulation. “Learning these skills early sets children up for life,” she says. So, how can parents help their children navigate their big emotions in a healthy, screen-free way?
Here are five healthy alternatives to digital pacifiers:
1. Validate your child’s feelings
It’s important to let your child know that their emotions are valid, whether they’re feeling joy, frustration, or sadness. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel this way. This helps them understand that emotions are a natural part of life, rather than something to be distracted from.
2. Teach coping strategies
Encourage your child to recognise ways they can feel better. Simple techniques, like taking deep breaths together or using a comfort object, can be incredibly effective. Over time, your child will learn to identify their own coping strategies and use them independently.
3. Model calmness
Children learn by example, so it’s vital to stay calm during emotional outbursts. Take a deep breath and show patience. By demonstrating empathy and calmness, you’re providing your child with the tools they need to manage their emotions.
4. Use music as a tool
Music has the power to transform moods. Soft, soothing tunes can help calm your child, while an upbeat rhythm might help them release pent-up energy. Encourage your child to sing, dance, or play an instrument. It’s a fantastic way to release stress and express feelings.
5. Provide routine and structure
A consistent routine can give children a sense of security, helping them feel grounded when their emotions are in turmoil. Try incorporating music into your routine to create a familiar, comforting atmosphere.
Clare Shaw, a mum of two, knows first-hand the emotional whirlwind of toddler years. “At Mini Mozart, we use music to help children express themselves,” she explains. “Our classes are designed to engage children with live orchestral music, encouraging them to sing, move, and explore musical instruments.”
About Mini Mozart
Founded in 2005, Mini Mozart provides live orchestral music classes for babies and toddlers in London and surrounding areas. Children get hands-on experience with real instruments, helping them develop not just musicality, but also fine motor skills, confidence, and emotional resilience. Mini Mozart also offers a bursary scheme to make their classes accessible to families in need.
Find out more about Mini Mozart’s classes and bursary scheme on their website.