Helping Kids Navigate Big Feelings: 3 Simple Strategies for Parents
Big feelings can feel overwhelming—especially for young children who are still learning how to understand and express their emotions. Whether it’s frustration over a toy, sadness about a change, or anxiety they don’t yet have words for, emotional overwhelm can show up in all kinds of ways: tantrums, withdrawal, or even clinginess.
The good news? Your child doesn’t have to figure it out alone.
At HeartsPlay, we believe that when kids are supported in naming and understanding their emotions, they become more confident, resilient, and connected—not just with others, but with themselves. And you don’t need special training to help. You just need a few intentional tools.
Here are three simple ways to help your child name and navigate their emotions:
1. Name the Feeling Out Loud
Sometimes kids need help putting words to what’s going on inside. When you gently name their emotion—without judgment—you show them it’s okay to feel and talk about it.
“You look really frustrated that your block tower fell down.”
“It seems like you might be feeling sad about saying goodbye.”
By modeling this kind of language, you give them the vocabulary and permission to express themselves in healthy ways.
2. Use Visual Tools or Feeling Charts
Kids often learn best through visual cues. A feelings chart or emotion wheel with faces and names can help children identify what they’re experiencing—even when they’re not ready to say it out loud.
Place one on the fridge or in their room and use it as a gentle check-in:
“Can you point to how you’re feeling right now?”
These tools make emotions more accessible and less intimidating.
3. Tell Stories About Feelings
Whether it’s reading books, using dolls, or telling stories from your own life, emotional storytelling helps normalize all kinds of feelings. It shows kids that everyone gets mad, scared, excited, or sad—and that feelings can come and go like waves.
Try:
“One time I was nervous to try something new, just like you were today.”
“This teddy bear looks really mad. What do you think happened to make him feel that way?”
Storytelling makes emotions feel less threatening and builds empathy in a playful, age-appropriate way.
You’re Not Alone, and Neither is Your Child
Supporting your child’s emotional growth doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It’s about showing up with patience, curiosity, and love. Every time you help your child name a feeling or work through a hard moment, you’re strengthening their emotional foundation.
Which of these tools have you already tried at home? Which one will you try this week?
At HeartsPlay, we’re here to walk alongside you. If your child is struggling with big feelings or if you’d like support in building their emotional toolkit, our team offers compassionate, play-based counseling that meets kids right where they are. You don’t have to do this alone.
