The Mirror Effect: How Children Reflect Our Inner State
Young children are the best reflections of us. They tend to replicate our behaviour, responses and emotions. Anxious, distracted or relaxed parent passes this on to a child. Parenting is not as much about instructions as any child development specialist will tell you, it is about imitation. The emotional map that our children follow is our stress management behaviour, or love style or boundary setting. Grasping The Mirror Effect. Children learn and then go ahead to observe before they think logically. They receive parental and caregiver messages in the tone of voice, emotional regulation in kids, etc. It is this process that ensues emotion regulation amongst children and they learn to process emotions safely and to portray them in a healthy way. When the parents model them, children will begin to copy the character of being calm, empathetic and problem solving. Conversely, the uncontrolled rage or stress can be translated into reactive behaviour amongst them. The former is the former step to becoming aware of this reflection to make any changes in your own emotional patterns to the advantage of your child. Co-Regulation Parenting: the Co-Regulation Science. The co-regulation parenting style emphasises the point that until children are controlled by an adult, it is not possible to self-regulate. The composure of a parent is the external reference that would be used in learning in order to be stable in times of frustration. Practice Tip Speak in low tones, breathe slowly, and talk calmly when your child cries so you sound steady. This nonverbal guidance helps their nervous system relax and supports emotional learning through lived experience rather than correction over time. Such a reciprocal control is the significant quality of the system of holistic development, the integration of emotional, social and cognitive development of the child. Building of a Supportive Family Ecosystem. The nurturing supportive family is the one that achieves emotional balance and emphasises on empathy, open discussion and reciprocity. It does not escape war but manages it in a prudent manner. The most minimal of the changes like accepting the feelings of your child instead of de-escalating them can create trust. It is supposed to make the children feel secure even during the emotionally high times. This assumption enhances directly the benefits of mindful parenting for child development as it forms secure attachment and resilience at a tender age. The Mindfulness of Parenting. Mindful parenting is not only a practice, it is a philosophy. It is possessing the self-image of your own emotional stimuli and responses and thereafter being the head of your child. When tantrums set in, you do not lose your temper, but watch and respond to them intentionally. By being patient and being present, children will learn that one can handle emotions, though not be crushed by the same. This regularity of self-consciousness in compassion, will be the image of self to self–learn to be strong, as I am. Conclusion We also are reminded of the fact that children not only learn what we say but who we are by the mirror effect. The creation of emotionally intelligent families by parents is two way with the creation of calm empathetic and self aware development. A child development specialist would confirm- what you heal in yourself, your child heals in the outside world. It is the actual holistic development. FollowVedandi Brhambhatt on Instagram and YouTube, for daily insights, mindful parenting tips, and expert guidance on raising emotionally balanced children. FAQs What is the effect of the mirror of parenting?It refers to the interaction of children as they absorb and reflect the emotions, attitudes and styles of coping that their parents have in their lives. What can parents do to better regulate children emotionally?First, by self-regulation: breathing, being a patient listener and empathetic at all times in conflict. What does co-regulation parenting mean?It is the process, thanks to which children learn how to become emotionally subdued by the composing and supportive nature of a parent. What is mindful parenting and its importance to development?It facilitates emotional sensitivity, safe attachment and equitable behaviour of children. How can families be used to encourage holistic development?Through open communication channels, emotional modelling and daily-based practices that assist in building on empathy and stability.