Hi everyone, Life Coach Carisa here! Today’s topic feels particularly heavy given the heartbreaking news that happened recently—a school shooting in Georgia where two 14-year-olds and two teachers were killed by another 14-year-old student. As a mom of a 15-year-old daughter, this tragedy really hit home, reminding me just how much emotional weight our kids carry.
That brings me to today’s topic: how our emotional energy can affect our children.
Parents and Emotional Energy
When I was growing up, my parents didn’t really think about how their emotions affected me. But times have changed, and now we understand the importance of the emotional energy we bring into everyday situations with our kids. It’s something I think all of us could be more mindful of.
So often, I see parents losing their cool in public—whether it’s at the grocery store, in traffic, or at a theater when their kids aren’t listening. We don’t often stop to think, How am I feeling right now? Is my emotional baggage spilling over into my child’s life in a way that’s harmful?
I know I’ve done it. For years, I tried to be the “relaxed mom” by drinking a bottle of wine every night, masking my insecurities and anxieties. But the truth was, my emotional energy was negatively impacting my kids. When we’re not mindful, we end up projecting our stress, frustration, and fears onto them.
While emotional energy may not have been the direct cause of this recent tragedy, it’s clear that our children are dealing with an increasingly complex and difficult world. They’re looking to us for guidance, and how we show up emotionally plays a significant role in shaping their experiences.
Setting the Tone for Our Children
Our emotional state sets the tone for our children’s lives. If we’re not able to manage our emotions and stay calm, our kids will often internalize that same chaos. If we buffer with things like alcohol, food, or other distractions to cope, what are we teaching them?
Here are three powerful tips to help you better manage your emotional energy:
- Check in with yourself regularly.
Throughout the day, take a moment to ask yourself, How am I feeling right now? Are you bringing stress from work or personal problems into interactions with your kids? Simply recognizing your emotional state is the first step to shifting it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and reset before engaging with your children. - Watch for patterns in your reactions.
Do you notice that you lose patience in certain situations, like during bedtime or in the morning rush? Reflect on what triggers those moments. Are you projecting stress onto your child? Understanding these patterns can help you address the root cause of your reactions. - Use a mindful transition between tasks.
Before walking through the door after a long day, take a minute to clear your mind. Visualize setting aside any stress so you can enter your home with calm energy. This prevents you from bringing outside frustrations into the space where your kids will absorb them.
The Ripple Effect of Emotional Energy
I believe that by becoming more intentional about our emotional energy, we create a healthier environment for our kids. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making small shifts that lead to big changes over time. When we take control of our emotions, we empower our children to do the same.
I encourage you to be more aware of how your emotional energy affects your family. Try communicating with your kids in a more proactive way, and notice how they respond. You might be surprised at the positive impact it has.
Want More Peace and Joy in Your Life?
If you’re ready to work on managing your emotional energy, I’d love to chat with you. I offer a complimentary session where we can dive into your specific struggles and work on finding real solutions. You can also explore my 12-week transformation program, which provides tools and techniques for managing emotions and creating more peace, even in the chaotic world of parenting.
Visit LifeCoachingwithCarisa.com to schedule your free session. Let’s work together to create a more peaceful and joyful life for you and your family! For more in-depth information, check out my video on how your emotional energy impacts your kids.
Thank you for reading! If you’re curious about my work, schedule a complimentary consultation session. Find out more at LifeCoachingwithCarisa.com.
“Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be.”
David Bly