Supporting Strong Emotions at Home

Big emotions are a normal and healthy part of early childhood. Young children are still developing the brain pathways for self-regulation — the ability to calm their bodies, name their feelings, and make safe choices.

Until those skills mature, children rely on caregivers to co-regulate: to model calm, provide safety, and guide them through their emotions. When we respond with empathy, consistency, and patience, we help build the neural connections that support emotional control and resilience. Creating predictable routines, offering comfort before correction, and providing tools like calm-down spaces or visual supports help children feel secure and understood. Over time, these repeated, loving interactions teach children that emotions are safe, manageable, and a meaningful part of growing up.

12 Practical Ways to Support Big Emotions at Home:

1. Create a calm spot with soft items and sensory tools

2. Model deep breathing and label your own emotions aloud

3. Use picture books to talk about feelings and empathy

4. Offer comfort first — logic later (“You’re safe. I’m here.”)

5. Keep a consistent routine — predictability helps children feel secure

6. Practice naming emotions together: “You look frustrated — is that right?”

7. Offer choices during transitions to give a sense of control

8. Try movement breaks — stretching, shaking, or going outside to reset

9. Use solution cards or visuals to problem-solve after calming down

10. Praise recovery efforts, not just calm behavior (“I saw your deep breath. Great tool!”)

11. Create a “feelings wheel” or chart to help express emotions visually

12. End the day with connection — a snuggle, a story, or a gratitude moment

Other great resources include:

𐩒 Zero to Three 𐩒 Pathways.org 𐩒 Child Mind Institute

𐩒 National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations 𐩒 HealthyChildren.org

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