Navigating Big Feelings: 4 Tips for Childcare Providers and Parents
Caring for young children can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when they experience intense emotions.
As childcare providers, teachers and parents, we often children work with children who experience “big feelings.” These feelings can range from happiness and excitement to frustration and sadness.
Understanding how to respond effectively to these emotions is crucial in helping children to understand their feelings and behaviours.
Here are four tips to help you navigate these moments.
1. Acknowledge and Validate Their Feelings
The first step in responding to a child’s big feelings is to acknowledge them. Children need to know that their emotions are valid and understood.
Use phrases like, “I can see you’re feeling really upset right now,” or “It looks like you’re really excited!”
This validation helps children feel heard and encourages them to express their feelings openly.
Validating their feelings helps children understand that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions.
2. Model Healthy Emotional Expression
Children learn by observing the adults around them. Demonstrate how to express feelings in a healthy way.
Share your own emotions appropriately, using “I” statements, such as “I feel frustrated when…” This not only teaches children that it’s okay to express their feelings but also shows them constructive ways to cope with emotions.
Encourage them to use words to describe their feelings and offer tools like drawing or using a feelings chart to help them articulate what they’re experiencing.
3. Encourage Expression Through Play
Play is a natural way for children to express their emotions. Encourage them to use toys, art, or storytelling to convey what they’re feeling.
For instance, if a child is upset, you might suggest they draw a picture of their feelings or act out a scenario with dolls or action figures.
This creative outlet can help them articulate their emotions in a way that feels comfortable.
4. Provide Comfort
Once a child has expressed their feelings, it’s important to provide comfort and support by perhaps offering a hug, a gentle touch, a drink, or simply sitting with them until they feel more at ease giving them the message that their feeling is ok.
All children experience big feelings at one time or another. While it can be difficult for the adult at the time it’s important to remember that actually this behaviour is usually developmentally appropriate.
By acknowledging their emotions, modelling healthy ways to express feelings, encouraging expression through play and providing comfort, you can help children confidently navigate their feelings.
As childcare providers, teachers and parents, your support plays a vital role in fostering emotional intelligence and a healthy understanding of feelings in the children you care for.
Are you looking to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe to express themselves and learn to manage their emotions effectively?
Visit my speaker page and hire me to give a talk at your organisation—whether it’s a school or an Early Years Provider setting.
Get in touch to book a session today and make a lasting impact on the emotional well-being of the children in your care.
