Big Feelings, Little Bodies – Helping Kids Navigate Emotional Struggles

Have you ever watched your child go from giggling to melting down in a matter of minutes? One second they’re fine, the next they’re yelling, crying, or storming off—all over something that seems small to us adults. If so, you’re not alone. Emotional struggles in kids are real, and for many families, this is one of the toughest parts of parenting.

As parents, caregivers, or teachers, we’re often left asking:

• “Why did they overreact like that?”

• “How do I help them calm down?”

• “Is this just a phase… or something more?”

Let’s dive into why kids struggle with emotions and what we can do to support them through it.

Why Emotions Feel So Big to Kids

Children are born with emotions but not the tools to manage them. Their brains are still developing, especially the areas responsible for self-regulation, impulse control, and reasoning (hello, prefrontal cortex!). This means that many emotions—like frustration, sadness, excitement, and anger—can feel overwhelming and hard to understand.

For some kids, especially those with neurodiverse needs like autism, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing challenges, these feelings can feel even bigger and more confusing.

Common Emotional Struggles Kids Face

• Anger and Frustration: Quick tempers, yelling, throwing, or refusing to cooperate.

• Anxiety and Worry: Constant what-ifs, bedtime fears, school refusal, or stomachaches.

• Sadness and Withdrawal: Avoiding friends, seeming “off,” or easily discouraged.

• Overexcitement: So happy they can’t settle down, running wild, unable to transition.

• Shutdowns or Meltdowns: Complete emotional overload leading to tears, silence, or rage.

What It Can Look Like in Real Life

In our house, we’ve had days where emotions took the front seat—from refusing to put on shoes to full meltdowns because we don’t allow them to bring a specific item to school. And while it may seem small to us, to them, it’s everything.

We’ve learned that these reactions are often not about the item—they’re about control, comfort, or regulation. When kids feel overwhelmed, they often don’t have the words to say, “I’m tired,” “I feel anxious,” or “I don’t know how to handle this change.” So it comes out in big, messy ways.

How to Help Kids Through Emotional Struggles

Helping kids manage their emotions starts with connection, not correction. Here are a few tools that can help:

1. Name the Feeling

Help your child identify what they’re feeling:
“It looks like you’re feeling really mad right now.”
“Are you feeling worried about school?”
This gives them language to understand their experience.

2. Stay Calm (Even When It’s Hard)

Your calm is contagious. If you escalate, they will too. Take a breath. Speak softly. Be the anchor in their storm.

3. Create a Calm-Down Plan

Have a safe space or toolbox for calming down—like fidgets, sensory bottles, weighted blankets, or a visual feelings chart.

4. Teach Coping Skills

Deep breathing, squeezing a stress ball, journaling, movement breaks, or even naming 5 things they see in the room can help ground them.

5. Validate and Connect

Instead of jumping to “stop crying,” try:
“I know this is hard. I’m here. We’ll figure it out together.”

Remember: It’s Not Bad Behavior—It’s a Skill to Be Taught

Emotional regulation is a skill—just like reading or tying shoes. Some kids pick it up easily. Others need more support, patience, and practice. That’s okay. With time, love, and tools, emotional outbursts can become opportunities for growth.

Final Thoughts

If your child struggles with big emotions, you’re not a bad parent—and they’re not a bad kid. You’re both learning. Emotions are hard, even for adults, but by walking alongside our children, modeling calm, and offering support, we help them build the confidence and tools they need to thrive.

You’ve got this—and they do too.

•More of this subject coming soon!•