When kids are upset, parents can easily get flustered and frustrated, too. When looking for a quick way to soothe or settle their kids, one of the most common phrases out of a parent’s mouth is “Calm down.”

Most parents say it from a place of love, assuming their kids will hear them and respond accordingly. But that rarely works.

Instead, a simple six-word phrase may defuse the situation. A pediatric occupational therapist and a child psychologist explain why.

View this post on Instagram

Why ‘calm down’ doesn’t work

The main reason telling kids to “Calm down” doesn’t work is that they don’t fully understand how to regulate their emotions.

“When a child is melting down, it’s not because they don’t want to be calm. It’s because they can’t get........

© Upworthy