'Big Emotions' and How to Support Your Child Through Them
As parents, you may experience moments when your child’s emotions seem too big for their little bodies to contain. Whether it’s frustration, sadness, or excitement, these ‘big emotions’ can feel overwhelming—not just for your child, but for you as well. At Resilient Kids Hub, we know that emotional regulation is one of the most important life skills a child can learn. That’s why we’re dedicated to equipping parents with the tools they need to support their children through emotional growth.
In this post, we’ll explore what ‘big emotions’ are, why some children experience them more intensely, and what science-backed strategies can help.
What Are ‘Big Emotions’?
‘Big emotions’ are intense feelings that children often struggle to regulate on their own. For some kids, these emotions come in tidal waves, making them feel out of control or misunderstood.
For children who are highly sensitive—sometimes referred to as “orchid children”—these experiences can be even more frequent. Orchid children thrive in supportive environments but may struggle in overstimulating or unpredictable settings. Signs of high sensitivity can include:
Difficulty adjusting to change.
Becoming easily overstimulated.
Preferring small, close friendship circles.
Struggling with sensory input, such as loud noises or certain textures.
Recognising these traits is the first step in creating an emotionally safe and supportive environment.
The Science of Emotional Regulation
Teaching children how to regulate their emotions isn’t just about calming tantrums—it’s a crucial part of their long-term development. Research has shown that children who develop strong emotional regulation skills:
Perform better academically.
Build stronger, more positive relationships.
Have a lower risk of developing anxiety and depression.
One proven method to promote these skills is modeling healthy emotional expression. When parents talk openly about their feelings and show constructive ways to cope, children learn by example.
5 Practical Strategies for Supporting Your Child’s Big Emotions
Validate Their Feelings
Acknowledge your child’s emotions without dismissing or minimizing them. Saying, “I can see you’re really upset” helps your child feel understood and accepted.Did you know? Child psychiatrists say invalidating emotions can hinder children’s ability to self-regulate later in life.
Teach Emotional Regulation Tools
Introduce simple strategies like deep breathing, sensory grounding (e.g., "What are 5 things you can see right now?"), or journaling. These techniques empower children to regain control during emotional outbursts.Create an "Emotional Toolbox"
Help your child put together a collection of coping tools—like fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, or a calming playlist.Stick to Routines
For sensitive children, predictable routines can be incredibly comforting. Knowing what’s coming next helps them feel more in control.Celebrate Their Growth
Small wins matter! Whether it’s successfully using a calming tool or expressing their feelings with words instead of tears, celebrate every step forward.
How Resilient Kids Hub Can Help
At Resilient Kids Hub, we provide workshops, courses, and resources to help families navigate challenges like big emotions. Through our neuro-affirmative approach, we empower children to embrace their unique strengths and equip parents with practical tools to foster emotional resilience.
Find out what happens in a Resilient Kids Hub session here
Our Latest Offering:
We’re excited to announce our Celebrate Your Spectrum online course! This creative, neuro-affirmative program helps autistic young people explore their identities, develop emotional regulation skills, and build confidence—all in a supportive, online community.
✨ What Parents Are Saying:
"The workshop was eye-opening—not just for my child, but for our whole family. We learned tools we still use today."
Email us to book your place for our next workshop.
Join Our Community
Parenting isn’t a solo journey, and at Resilient Kids Hub, you’re never alone. Subscribe to our Substack for weekly tips, science-backed strategies, and updates on our programs. Together, let’s raise resilient, emotionally aware kids who can navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence.
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Science-backed resources used in this post:
Let’s keep the conversation going! What strategies have helped your child manage their big emotions? Drop a comment or share your story below. 🌟
