People were not meant to experience emotions alone. Our connection to one another can be a support system for experiencing all of the powerful emotions that are part of being alive. Children in particular can learn this valuable lesson at a young age. As a parent you can help them by:

• helping them to identify emotions

• showing them ways to express emotions

• being available to share their emotions

A child in the midst of a temper tantrum, or expressing herself in a way that the parent sees as "out-of-control," are times when the child is feeling intense emotion. It can be compared to the energy of a tornado or hurricane. The child is not thinking logically—she is consumed with the energy of the emotion. Some parents may interpret this behavior as being manipulative, but manipulation takes focus and the child is not at all focused during these outbursts.

Now, imagine what happens if the parent tries to stop the behavior with yelling, force, or punishment. The parent is actually fueling the storm. There is already plenty of anger and frustration. Bringing more anger to the situation will actually intensify it. As parent, your best option is to bring calmness, compassion, and understanding. You may need to take a few deep breaths, or even leave the room for a minute (as long as child is safe alone) to bring yourself to a calm state. When you are calm and loving, you can begin to calm to your child.

Experiencing Support

Many parents want their children to grow into adulthood with an open mind regarding spirituality and religion. They want their children to be able to make their own choices. Although not wishing to promote any single religion or spirituality, this author recommends that parents provide a spiritual foundation for their children. There are two suggestions:

1. Using terminology and images that are in-line with your family values, give children the understanding that they are loved and supported by something bigger than they are. For some families it may be God, or angels, or spirit animals. Whatever is appropriate for you and your family, let them know that they are loved and supported just the way they are. Let them know that they are deserving and worthy of this love and support.

2. Model your own spiritual practices. If you were to hide your own spiritual beliefs in order to give your children free choice as an adult, you are asking a seed to grow without water or light. Share your beliefs--when you do you give your child the rain, the sunlight and the rich soil necessary for them to blossom into a beautiful flower.

Experiencing Appreciation and Gratitude

Appreciation is a characteristic that each person has at birth. As parents, we can encourage this quality in our children. A life filled with gratitude is life of love and joy. Become a scientist. Watch your child with a keen eye and keen ear. Watch for signs in your child when they are feeling particularly happy or grateful for something. When you notice them feeling grateful, identify the feeling and share it with them. You can also make them aware of the many gifts that surround them. As you walk through a garden and see the flowers, point out their beauty and remind your child that the beauty is a gift. As the sun warms their back, remind them that the sun gives to us without ever expecting anything in return. When a friend comes to play, point out that the friend gave of their time, their smiles, their laughter and their tears--all gifts.

"We can do so much with health and minds of children today, but where would they be without their hearts?" We are all conscious of taking care of the physical needs and intellectual needs of our children, the ideas in this article help us to take of their "heart needs."