How to Help Children Manage Big Emotions

As parents, it’s easy to write off the temper tantrums, the sibling rivalry, and the need for instant gratification by joking, “I know, kid. It’s hard to be four.” Sound familiar? But the reality is that it is hard to be four.

Children lack the emotional maturity to understand and deal with problems the way adults would, no matter how small those problems are. It’s helpful for parents to know that big emotions are normal for kids, and even something that you can talk about with them. Being honest about your feelings is also the hallmark of a Jewish value known as emet.

Girl on Floor Crying

In the post below, you’ll find books, videos, and activities all about helping children manage big emotions.

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Night Lights

Night Lights by Barbara Diamond Goldin

Recommended for ages 4 to 6

On a dark night full of noises, a young brother and sister decide to sleep in the family sukkah. They realize that the stars they see in the sky are the same as those that guided the ancient Israelites on their journey through the desert.


No Matzoh for Me!

No Matzoh for Me! by Nancy Krulik and Bryan Hendrix

Recommended for ages 6 to 7

This book is a kid-friendly telling of the Passover story via Sammy’s disappointment at not being chosen to portray one of the ten plagues in his school Passover play. Who wants to play the part of a matzoh?


Millie Fierce

Millie Fierce by Jane Manning

Recommended for ages 3 to 7

Millie is usually quiet, but when classmates don’t listen to her or she doesn’t get her way, Millie decides she wants to be fierce, only to realize being fierce isn’t the best way to get noticed either, especially when it makes you mean.


Sadie's Almost Marvelous Menorah

Sadie's Almost Marvelous Menorah by Jamie Korngold and Julie Fortenberry

Recommended for ages 4 to 5

Sadie is so proud of the menorah she made -- she can’t wait to show it to her mother! But, uh-oh -- in her haste, something terrible happens. How will Sadie be able to enjoy Hanukkah now?


Terrible, Terrible

Terrible, Terrible by Robin Bernstein and Shauna Mooney-Kawasaki

Recommended for ages 7 to 8

In this contemporary take on a beloved Jewish folktale, a rabbi helps Abigail discover the wonderful aspects of her newly-blended family.


Llama Llama Mad at Mama

Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney

Recommended for ages 2 to 5

Shopping is not little Llama Llama’s idea of fun, and he throws a tantrum in the middle of the store. This is the story of how Mama and Llama Llama learn to calm down and manage big emotions.


Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz

Recommended for ages 2 to 4

This beloved classic tale of the worst day ever has Alexander enduring gum in his hair, sitting in the worst seat in the car, missing dessert at lunch, the wrong pajamas pajamas, and kissing on TV—all in one day!

WATCH

Helping kids identify their emotions is the first step to managing the big ones. Here are some videos for kids and adults that explore where emotions come from and what to do about them.

You Can Get Mad at Someone You Love? via Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
 


Daniel Tiger helps friends understand that it’s okay to be upset with someone they love.

Name That Emotion with Murray! via Sesame Street
 


Murray the Monster helps kids identify what they’re feeling.

Why Do We Feel Emotional? via SoulPancake
 


Can we choose when we're happy or when we're sad? What if we feel just "okay"?"Kids explain what it means to feel feelings.

Exploring Feelings via PBS Parents
 


Here are some fun and easy ideas for helping your kids flex their emotional intelligence muscles.
 

What Do You Do With the Mad That You Feel? via Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
 


Daniel Tiger offers some coping skills for kids.

DO

MAKE AN EMOTION CHART
 

Balloon Faces

Help your child create an emotion chart or wheel, identifying the feelings that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Draw pictures for each one to refer back to them later. You can even try including specific triggers or coping methods so that the chart points to solutions too.

IDENTIFY CALM DOWN STRATEGIES
 

Kids Doing Yoga

Together, make a list of ways your child prefers to calm down. This might include drawing, yoga, running, punching a pillow, or listening to music. This is a helpful reminder that it’s ok to take time to recover, and there are safe, productive ways to do so.

MORE

10 Jewish Blessings for Everyday Situations (including temper tantrums)
5 Activities To Teach Your Child How To Deal With Anxiety via Playfull
Teaching Your Kids About Emotions via Playfull