The following strategies can help to de-escalate an emotional situation:
- Give the child or youth options. When giving options, do the following:
- Keep your voice friendly and helpful.
- Give positive feedback before negative, then remind the child or youth about the positive.
- Be specific and honest. Don’t promise what you can’t deliver.
- Use reflection statements such as:
- I appreciate that.
- I hear you.
- I recognize that you feel that way.
- I might feel that way, too.
- I understand that.
- Explain decisions, give context for making decisions, and include child or youth when making decisions.
- See the good and point it out.
