Big Feelings in Little Children: Practical Ways Parents Can Help

Children experience big emotions every day. Frustration, excitement, worry, disappointment and even overwhelming happiness are all part of growing up. While these emotions can sometimes feel challenging for both children and parents, they are an important part of healthy emotional development.

Recent Australian research continues to highlight the importance of supporting children's emotional wellbeing from an early age. Helping children understand and manage their feelings builds resilience, confidence and strong relationships that benefit them throughout life.

Every Child Experiences Big Feelings

Young children are still learning how to understand their emotions. They often don't yet have the words to explain how they're feeling, which means emotions may appear as tears, frustration, withdrawal or challenging behaviour.

Rather than seeing these moments as "bad behaviour", they can be viewed as opportunities to teach emotional regulation.

Five Practical Ways Parents Can Help

❤️ Stay Calm

Children look to trusted adults for reassurance. Speaking calmly and offering comfort helps children feel safe while their emotions settle.

🗣️ Name the Feeling

Simple phrases such as:

"You look frustrated."

"I can see you're feeling disappointed."

help children connect words with emotions and build emotional awareness.

🌿 Create a Calm Space

A quiet corner with favourite books, sensory toys, soft lighting or calming activities gives children a safe place to regulate their emotions.

The goal isn't punishment—it's helping children feel safe enough to calm their bodies and minds.

🧩 Encourage Play

Play is one of the best ways children process emotions.

Building, pretending, drawing, sensory bins, puzzles and open-ended play allow children to express themselves naturally while developing confidence and problem-solving skills.

💚 Celebrate Small Wins

Learning emotional regulation takes time.

Celebrate moments when your child takes a deep breath, asks for help or calmly works through a challenge. These small victories build lifelong confidence.

Remember...

Every child develops at their own pace.

Some children need extra time, additional support or different strategies to understand and regulate their emotions. If you have concerns about your child's development or wellbeing, speak with your GP, child health nurse or another qualified health professional.

At My Sensory Nest, we believe play provides wonderful opportunities for children to explore, learn and grow. Sensory and educational toys can support everyday learning and emotional development alongside loving relationships and professional guidance where needed.

Together, small moments of connection can make a big difference.