Three moves, in order: name, normalize, anchor. “That looks like frustration. Frustration makes sense here. Feet on the floor with me for a moment.”
The naming step is what schools call an emotion vocabulary. If your child's class uses one — even four words — use the same words. Consistency between home and school is where change compounds.
Do not try to solve the problem while the emotion is loud. Anchor first, talk later. See home practices for daily anchors.
#emotions#anxiety
Last reviewed: 2026-05-05
See also
- What is Inner Education?A parent-friendly definition — and what it is not.
- Building emotion vocabularyWhy the words a class uses for emotions may be the highest-leverage change you make.
- Home practicesFive practices small enough to survive a real family evening.
- Working with anxious studentsEveryday classroom moves for the students you're most worried about.
- Signs it's workingWhat to look for at home when a school starts Inner Education — and what to ignore.