Big feelings: Five ways parents can help kids learn to regulate their emotions
Medical Xpress
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Parenting can be challenging, especially when children experience intense emotions like anger, frustration, or excitement that they struggle to regulate independently. Helping kids develop emotional regulation skills is crucial for their overall well-being and can have long-term health benefits. This article highlights five effective strategies parents can use to guide their children in managing big feelings.
First, creating a safe and supportive environment for children to express their emotions without judgment is essential. By validating their feelings and teaching them how to articulate what they’re experiencing, parents can help kids understand and process their emotions more effectively. Encouraging open communication fosters trust and builds a foundation for emotional intelligence.
Another key strategy involves setting consistent routines that promote calmness and structure. Teaching children relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, can help them stay grounded in moments of high emotion. Additionally, modeling self-regulation behaviors yourself demonstrates practical ways for kids to manage their own feelings.
Parents should also focus on fostering empathy by encouraging their children to consider how others might feel in different situations. This not only helps kids develop social skills but also teaches them to think critically about their emotions and reactions. By providing age-appropriate examples and discussing scenarios where emotions come into play, parents can help their children build this important skill.
Finally, teaching problem-solving skills empowers kids to take ownership of their emotions and find constructive ways to address challenges. Encouraging them to brainstorm solutions for difficult situations helps foster independence and resilience. This approach not only addresses the immediate
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/21/2026