How can I help my child handle big emotions?

Big emotions don’t need big reactions—just big patience. The goal is to teach emotional safety, not suppression.

What to do, step by step:

1. Stay near and steady.
   Be their anchor, not their echo.
   
2. Acknowledge feelings.
   “That was really hard. You’re disappointed.”
   
3. Use grounding techniques.
   “Let’s take deep breaths like waves.”
   
4. Wait until calm to talk.
   Teaching happens after regulation, not during.
   
5. Praise calm recovery.
   “You calmed down all by yourself—that’s growth.”