A Playful Way to Help Kids Manage Big Emotions

The Meltdown Moment

We’ve all been there. The moment when our child’s emotions explode like a shaken soda can. One minute, they’re happily playing, and the next, they’re on the floor, screaming, crying, or maybe shutting down completely. And as parents, caregivers, or educators, we’re left wondering—What just happened?

For many children, big emotions feel like an uncontrollable storm. They don’t have the words to explain their feelings or the tools to manage them. And let’s be honest—when kids are overwhelmed, it’s easy for us to feel overwhelmed. But the good news? Emotional regulation isn’t something kids either have or don’t have. It’s a skill that we can help them build with the right approach.

Understanding the Emotion Seesaw

Think of emotions like a seesaw. When frustration, anger, or anxiety push down too hard on one side, kids need something to bring balance back. The problem is they don’t always know how. So, instead of telling them to “calm down” (which rarely works), we can teach them to recognize their emotions, understand what their body is telling them, and use simple, effective strategies to self-regulate.

Step 1: Noticing the Body’s Clues

Our bodies send signals before a meltdown happens. Tight fists, a racing heartbeat, and a scrunched-up face are signs that a child’s emotions are getting too big. If we help kids tune in to these signals early, they can act before things spiral out of control.

Try this: The next time emotions rise, gently say, “Your hands are in fists. I wonder if your body is telling you that you’re frustrated.” We help kids connect the dots between emotions and physical sensations when we name the feeling.

Step 2: Giving Feelings a Name

When emotions are nameless, they feel huge and unmanageable. But when we give them a label—anger, frustration, sadness, excitement—it helps kids feel more in control. Instead of, “I’m just mad!” they can learn to say, “I’m feeling frustrated because my tower fell.” That shift alone can reduce emotional intensity.

Step 3: Finding the Right ‘Power Move’

Telling a child to “Stop crying” or “Take deep breaths” often isn’t enough. They need tools—what we call ‘power moves’—to channel their emotions healthily. And the best part? Power moves can be playful, fun, and easy to remember!

Here are a few to try:

Blow up an imaginary balloon – Have them take a deep breath, then slowly “blow up” an imaginary balloon. This helps regulate breathing and provides a visual cue for calmness.

Squeeze and release – Ask them to squeeze a pillow, fists, or even a stress ball, then slowly let go. This releases tension from their body.

Shake it out – Turn up some music and shake off the ‘grumpy wiggles’ like a wobbly jelly. Movement helps reset the nervous system!

Push the wall – Have them push against a wall as hard as they can for a few seconds, then relax. This helps channel strong feelings into physical effort.

Turtle time – Encourage them to curl into a little ball like a turtle, take three slow breaths, and stretch out when ready. This creates a moment of stillness in the storm.

Building Emotional Strength, Together

Emotional regulation isn’t about stopping big feelings—it’s about helping kids ride the wave instead of feeling like they’re drowning. The more we practice these skills together, the more they become second nature. Over time, kids start recognizing their emotions earlier, choosing power moves that work for them, and feeling more confident in their ability to handle challenging moments.

Let’s Try It!

Next time emotions start to bubble up, try doing a Body Check together:

Where do you feel it? (Tummy? Hands? Face?)

What’s the feeling’s name?

What power move should we use?

Let’s help our kids build their emotional toolkit—one power move at a time!

Have a favourite strategy that works with your child? Share it in the comments! Need more guidance? Book a 1:1 consultation here: https://topmate.io/namita_das11

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Recommended Products

To support children’s sensory needs and help them manage anxiety, fidgeting, and focus, here are some highly recommended products:

Squishy Stress Balls – These soft, slow-rising squeeze balls effectively provide sensory feedback. They can help children focus, calm their minds, and manage stress. They serve as excellent fidget tools for stress relief and hand therapy. The Calm Ball – Designed by a licensed therapist, this tool helps children and teens with anxiety management, emotional regulation, and stress relief. It’s ideal for therapy sessions or at-home coping strategies.

These products can be beneficial additions to your child’s sensory toolkit, helping them stay calm and engaged while learning and playing.