We all know that big feelings are inevitable, but what’s the best way to respond? Two useful approaches are naming the feelings and practicing calming strategies.
Name the Feelings
Young children sometimes struggle to put their feelings into words. Together, practice labeling emotions in simple ways:
- “I see you’re feeling frustrated because the block tower fell.”
- “You’re sad we can’t keep playing right now.”
Hearing their feelings named helps children connect words to emotions, making those emotions easier to understand and express.
Practice Calming Strategies
Preschoolers can learn simple tools to calm down when they’re upset:
- Deep breaths (“Smell the flower, blow out the candle”)
- Quiet corners with soft pillows or books
- Movement like stretching or shaking it out
With strategies like these, children learn that their feelings are both normal and manageable.