# Emotions at Home > The child laughs, cries,…, either as an emotional response to what they feel, or by imitating the adults around them. It is very important to assess our... - **Author:** eugenia-olego · **Category:** Adultos - **Published:** 2014-10-12 · **Updated:** 2015-01-04 - **URL:** https://elteuespai.com/en/emotions-at-home/ - _Translation pending clinical review._ --- **EMOTIONS AT HOME** ** ** The child laughs, cries,…, either as an emotional response to what they feel, or by imitating the adults around them. It is very important to assess **our emotional state** (how we feel) because that is what we transmit to the child. We are role models for our children. ## Joy and laughter It is important that we build a relationship with children in which LAUGHTER has an important place, that we joke with them, that we don't let OUR problems interfere in the relationship with them. Our parents probably didn't play with us, but even so we have the opportunity. Healthy, genuine LAUGHTER is one of the most wholesome things; it activates the production of endorphins (brain transmitters that bring relief and well-being to the person) and, moreover, they say it lengthens life. When we show joy we encourage those around us. When the child expresses joy, it is extremely important that we reinforce it with expressions like: "I love it when you laugh!"; we can also caress them as a form of recognition. It is very positive when we tell them about our own experiences, about when we were children, about our experience and, above all, about how we felt, so that they understand that they are going through something normal that gets resolved, and also so that they see that you are with them. ### Games to work on joy There are many games to work on joy: jokes, riddles, nonsense songs, tickle fights, reading comics or funny cartoons together, playing dress-up, walking on tiptoe, laughing contests (looking at each other and seeing who laughs first), talking with the "t", etc. Always with self-control. Hugs are very gratifying and relaxing. Who doesn't like a repertoire of cuddles? ## Accompanying sadness Sometimes we are unable to express sadness (for various reasons), and even though we feel like crying, it is possible that the tears do not come out. This often leads to irritability, passivity, nightmares, bad mood, complaints of body aches, etc. All this reserve of emotions is negative; the child needs to let out what they have inside. In these moments when children are sad and need to be comforted, we can help them with hugs, cuddles, letting their tears come out WITHOUT telling them "that's enough", "it's not that big a deal", etc; in this way they feel understood, protected and listened to. ## Expressing love The need to express LOVE is an important component in relationships. It is important that they know we love them no matter what they are like. It is essential to separate the love that binds us to our children from their behavior. ### How to play with our children How to play with our children? The "Ugly Duckling" story: It teaches how one feels when not receiving love. "The Guide Game": You are going to cover their eyes and lead them by the hand so they discover the world with their other senses. We will guide them with great affection and care, warning them if they have to go up or down a step, go left or right; we have them place their hand in a container that is warm, we give them a bit of chocolate, so that, in a loving and protected way, the child enjoys these experiences with their senses, and that allows them to keep INCREASING the bond and trust with you. It is very important NOT to deceive them, not even as a joke. ### Non-competitive games NON-COMPETITIVE games: - Crafts: especially painting with watercolors (it relaxes a lot). Book: "En vez de ver la tele" (it's in the library). - Puzzles: building sets. - Playmobil: Observe what their type of play is like and then channel their possible aggressiveness. ## In conclusion In conclusion, mothers and fathers are responsible for instructing and managing the emotions of our children from an early age. We are an exemplary model for them, and for this reason we must become aware of the importance that our feelings have in the child's emotional education.