German Parenting Observations: From Emotional Support to Natural Therapies
In many families, when a child cries or throws a tantrum, the adult's first reaction is often to stop them.
However, in Germany, many parents do the opposite. They pause and acknowledge the child's emotions, rather than rushing to correct their behavior.
For many German families, emotion itself isn't the problem; it's the lack of understanding.
This approach of "addressing emotions first, then rules" has created a different rhythm in German children's emotional education compared to Asian cultures.
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【Why German Parenting Emphasizes Calming the Body First?】
A crucial concept in German early childhood education is that when emotions arise, the "emotional brain" is active, not the rational brain.
Therefore, they don't rush to lecture but first reduce stimuli and assist with breathing to help the body relax.
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【Method 1｜Deep Breathing: Transition the Body from Tension to Relaxation】
Slowly inhaling and exhaling deeply is a common emotional regulation technique in German kindergartens.
Recommended rhythm: inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds.
Can be paired with: Heel Lunafini Emotional Relief Globules
Heel Lunafini Globules: A little helper for bedtime and winding down emotions
In many German families, these are considered a gentle emotional support option.
The globule form is easy to consume, and many parents use them when their child is struggling to calm down or needs to relax before bed.
It's more like supportive companionship than forced quiet.
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【Method 2｜Gentle Jumping: Allow the Body to Release Stress】
German teachers often encourage children to shift their emotions through small movements, such as jumping in place 5 times, marching, or small knee-hugging jumps.
These movements can help children divert their attention, allowing their emotions to gradually subside.
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【Method 3｜Fist Clench and Release: Let Touch Provide Security】
Repeatedly clenching and unclenching the fists is a simple but effective way to practice body awareness, which can reduce muscle tension and increase a sense of security.
Can be paired with: WALA Aurum／Apis
WALA is one of Germany's natural therapy brands: The Gentle Philosophy of German Natural Therapy
It is often used by parents during:
• Seasonal changes
• Routine changes
• Emotional sensitivity
as daily emotional support.
Many families see it as a small tool to help children adapt to life's rhythms.
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【Method 4｜Talking to Oneself: Building a Child's Inner Sense of Security】
German emotional education places great importance on language, for example, transforming "I can't" into "I can try."
Can be paired with: dm Bach Flower Essences
DM Bach Flower Essences: A Familiar Emotional Support Concept in German Households
Bach flower essences (Bachblüten) are a natural emotional support concept originating in Europe, proposed by Dr. Edward Bach.
In Germany and Europe, it is not seen as a product to quickly change emotions, but rather as a culture of daily companionship.
Many families use them when their children face situations such as:
• Separation anxiety
• Adapting to new environments
• Emotional sensitivity
• Difficulty relaxing before bed
Bach flower essences emphasize supporting emotional states rather than suppressing emotions, which is why they are very common in German drugstores like DM.
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【Method 5｜Count to 6: Give Emotions a Pause Button】
When children focus on counting, their attention is diverted, helping emotions to cool down.
You can count slowly to 6 with the child, then follow with deep breaths or movement.
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【Method 6｜Scent Soothing: Using Familiar Scents to Create a Sense of Security】
In many German households, fragrances are not just for adult relaxation rituals; they also become part of a child's emotional wind-down routine.
Rather than strong stimulants, German parents often prefer subtle herbal scents, such as lavender.
Can be paired with: Farfalla Lavendel Lavender Good Night Scent 5ml
The scent of lavender is often considered part of a bedtime ritual, allowing children to build a sense of security and a consistent rhythm through fragrance.
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【Method 7｜Change of Scenery: Let the Pillow Scent Gently Guide Children into Dreams】
Many families use mild pillow mists before bed to help children transition from the stimulation of the day to the quiet rhythm of night.
Can be paired with: Oshadhi Exotic Dreams Kissenspray Pillow Spray 30ml
Parents gently spray it while tidying the bed before sleep or during the quiet time before turning off the lights, allowing the scent to serve as a transition into sleep.
【Core Concept of German Parents: Emotions Are Not Bad】
Many German emotional education programs teach children three principles:
1. Don't hurt others
2. Don't hurt yourself
3. Don't destroy things
Children can be angry, but they need to learn safe ways to express it.
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【Conclusion】
What truly helps children stabilize is not just methods or products, but stable adults and continuous companionship.
When children know their emotions can be held, they will gradually learn to navigate emotional storms on their own.