You can learn a lot from observing your child’s body language. Here are some important body language cues you can use to interpret what your child may be experiencing. If they are flapping their arms like a bird, it can mean they are feeling overwhelmed. If your child starts to tug on you, it might mean that they are feeling uncomfortable. If your child presses their face against your body and holds on to you, it may mean they are having difficulty expressing an emotion. If your child appears to be restless and fidgety, it may mean they are unsure if they should speak up about something. Finally, look for your child’s tell when they lie. Do not punish them for lying, instead set the expectation that they need to be honest and open with you.

Key Takeaways:

• Non-verbal cues are essential to reading a child’s needs, particularly while they’re young and still lacking in language skills.
• One reason kids tend to act out, is because the prefrontal cortex, a critical brain component, when it comes to regulating emotion, is not properly developed.
• Arm flapping is a common kid response, indicating they are literally undergoing a flight, or fight, response.

“When your child is experiencing a bout of separation anxiety or refusing to do something without giving you a reason why, it may be because they’re unable to digest and express an emotion.”

Read more: http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1134683/read-kids-body-language