Every child experiences big emotions—from joy and excitement to frustration, anger, and sadness. While emotional ups and downs are a normal part of development, learning how to manage those feelings takes time and practice.
At Lyndon Learning Childcare, our teachers work every day to help children understand, express, and regulate their emotions in healthy ways. By using some of the same strategies at home, parents can reinforce these important skills and support their child’s emotional growth.
Understanding “Big Emotions”
Young children often feel emotions intensely but may not yet have the words or tools to express them. A meltdown, for example, isn’t “bad behavior”—it’s often a sign that a child feels overwhelmed or doesn’t know how to communicate what they’re feeling. Teaching emotional regulation helps children build resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them for life.
1. The Power of Naming Emotions
One of the simplest but most effective strategies we use in the classroom is naming emotions. When a teacher says, “I see you’re feeling frustrated because your block tower fell,” it helps the child connect a word to their feeling. This practice builds emotional vocabulary and helps children recognize what’s happening inside them.
At home, parents can use this same strategy. When your child is upset, try calmly identifying their emotion:
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“You look disappointed that playtime is over.”
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“I can tell you’re feeling proud of your drawing!”
Over time, children learn to use these words themselves, which reduces frustration and encourages communication.
2. Creating a Calm Corner
In our classrooms, we often use a calm corner—a quiet space filled with comforting tools such as soft pillows, sensory toys, books, and calming visuals. This area isn’t a punishment zone—it’s a self-regulation tool that allows children to take a break and regain control when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Parents can easily create a calm corner at home too. Choose a cozy space and add items that soothe your child: a favorite stuffed animal, a sensory bottle, or a picture book about feelings. Encourage your child to use the calm corner when they need to “reset.” Over time, they’ll begin to recognize their own signs of stress and learn how to calm themselves before emotions escalate.
3. Modeling Calm Behavior
Children learn by watching. When parents respond to frustration with calm voices and steady breathing, children see that emotions can be handled without yelling or anger. Try narrating your own emotional management:
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“I’m feeling frustrated, so I’m going to take a deep breath before I talk.”
This type of modeling teaches self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
4. Using Visual Supports
Teachers often use emotion charts or “feelings wheels” to help children identify their emotions visually. Having these tools at home can be just as effective. Ask your child to point to the face or word that matches how they feel, and then discuss ways to manage that emotion—like deep breathing, drawing, or hugging a favorite toy.
Visual supports are especially helpful for younger children or those who are still developing language skills.
5. Practicing Mindfulness and Breathing
Simple mindfulness activities—like deep breathing, gentle stretches, or focusing on sounds—help children regulate their nervous systems. Teachers often use fun techniques such as “smell the flower, blow the candle” to teach slow breathing. Parents can do the same at home, especially during transitions or bedtime.
Building Emotional Resilience Together
Helping your child navigate big emotions takes patience, empathy, and consistency. The more children see that feelings are normal and manageable, the more confident they become in handling life’s challenges. At Lyndon Learning Childcare, we view emotional learning as just as important as academic growth—because when children feel safe and understood, they’re ready to learn, play, and thrive.
By mirroring these classroom strategies at home—naming emotions, modeling calm behavior, creating a calm corner, and practicing mindfulness—you’ll give your child powerful tools for lifelong emotional well-being.