Using storytelling to repair

Apologising in the moment is super important. And the apology should never be about the child’s behaviour.

So instead of: “I’m sorry I shouted, but you were being too messy” we can try “I’m sorry I shouted, I had big feelings that I struggled to manage. You don’t deserve to be spoken to like that.”

But once the dust has settled, the strategy that really works to release any residual feelings, like fear is storytelling. Shouting incidents can be genuinely frightening for children, and while they may readily forgive, the fear often lingers. This storytelling process allows them to reconnect with their emotions, while feeling safe and connected to a caregiver. This not only helps them process the event but also enables them to laugh about it, and laughter is profoundly healing, aiding in the release of lingering emotions.

Curious as to how it works? Watch this video that I shared on Instagram this week: