Every parent knows the moment—your child is overwhelmed, emotions are spilling out, and you’re caught in the storm of big feelings. Whether it’s frustration, sadness, anger, or something in between, these moments can be challenging. But they’re also powerful opportunities to build trust, connection, and emotional awareness.
Here’s what to do when your child is experiencing big feelings:
Before anything else, check in with yourself. Take a deep breath. Your calm presence is grounding—it helps your child feel safe and supported. When you’re regulated, it makes it easier for them to regulate, too.
Let your child know it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling—even the big, messy, uncomfortable ones. Phrases like “That sounds really tough” or “It’s okay to feel upset” reassure them that emotions aren’t something to be ashamed of or hide.
Giving a name to an emotion—like “angry,” “disappointed,” or “overwhelmed”—is a simple but powerful tool. It builds emotional intelligence and gives your child a sense of control over what they’re experiencing.
Offer simple coping tools: deep breathing, grounding exercises, a sip of water, or even a quiet moment in a cozy space. The goal isn’t to “fix” the feelings, but to help your child find their way through them with support.
After the storm has passed, invite gentle reflection. Try questions like:
These conversations help your child learn from the experience and feel more capable when big feelings come up again.
Your child’s big feelings aren’t something to fear or fix—they’re moments that offer a path to deeper understanding and trust.
You don’t have to have all the answers. Just being there, calm and compassionate, makes all the difference.
Looking for more support in navigating emotional moments with your child? Schedule a complimentary consultation today—I’m here to walk alongside you.
Marana Counseling Services, based in Marana, Arizona, provides virtual therapy services to families across Arizona, Michigan, Florida, Ohio, South Carolina, Montana, Utah, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Delaware.
©2025 Marana Counseling Services
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