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- “Mummy, I feel like punching myself!” – A Lesson in Emotional Regulation
“Mummy, I feel like punching myself!” – A Lesson in Emotional Regulation
What do you do when your child is so frustrated they don’t know how to cope? Here’s how I helped Small A regulate her emotions—and how you can, too.
Michelle Lim
March 31, 2025
Hello MindFull Readers,
“I can’t remember what I wanted to tell you!” Small A cried out in frustration. “I feel like punching myself!”
We were having a family dinner after a long day, catching up while the kids ate. Small A turned toward us, about to interrupt, but caught herself, covering her mouth in the cutest way. I noticed and felt a swell of pride—she was learning patience and awareness.
When we finished, I turned to her. “What did you want to say?” She opened her mouth… and then froze. She couldn’t remember. I reassured her, “It’s okay. When you remember, I’ll be ready to listen.”
But on the way home, she became visibly distraught, holding her head, desperately trying to recall her thought. The moment we stepped through the front door, she broke down into tears. “I can’t remember what I wanted to tell you, and I feel like punching myself!”
I was taken aback—she had never expressed such intense frustration with herself before. I gently took her to her room, picked her up, and swayed with her, whispering:
🩵 Breathe, slow down.
🩵 It’s okay to forget.
🩵 Your feelings are valid.
🩵 If it’s important, you’ll remember it again.
After a warm shower and some cuddles, she suddenly lit up: “I remember!”
We all turned to her, pausing to give her the space she had waited for.
Small A: “Mummy, I wanted to ask you how your day was!”
We laughed in relief, and I hugged her tightly. Then, as I shared my day with her, she held my hand and said:
“Thank you, Mummy, for calming me down and being there for me.”
This moment reminded me—helping your child regulate their emotions is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.🩵
With warmth and mindfulness,
Michelle Lim | Reparenting Life Coach - I help you transform your generational trauma cycle to become a positive generational cycle while embracing your inner child.
P.S. If you'd like to set up a free, 30-minute, no obligation, Healing & Growth Call with me to explore whether I am the right Reparenting Life Coach for you please book a slot at this link https://calendly.com/michelle-lim-tmp/healing-and-growth-call
Michelle Lim | Mother of 3 | Multi-Coach | Founder of The MindFull Parent | Writer | Preschool Educator | Babywearing Specialist | Breastfeeding Mentor
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