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đ± đ Big Feelings about Small Things đ đ±
Hello Sproutly Families,
Have you ever watched your child have a meltdown over the âwrongâ color cup or a sock that feels funny? These moments can feel overwhelming, but theyâre actually a normal part of childhood development. For young kids, small things can feel very bigâbecause theyâre still learning how to process emotions, communicate needs, and manage frustration.
When we meet these big feelings with calm support, we teach our children that all emotions are okay, and that they can handle them with help and practice. This week, weâre focusing on whatâs behind those outburstsâand how we can respond with empathy, patience, and tools for emotional growth.
In this newsletter, you will get....
Parenting Tips
Photo by Keira Burton on Pexels
Supporting Big Feelings in Little Moments
Validate First, Problem-Solve Later
Acknowledge their feelings before jumping in with solutions:
âYou really wanted the red spoonâthatâs disappointing.â
Stay Calm (Even When Itâs Hard)
Your calm presence helps regulate your childâs emotions. Take a breath before respondingâitâs okay to pause.
Teach Emotional Language
Help your child name what theyâre feeling: âIt sounds like youâre frustrated becauseâŠâ This builds emotional awareness.
Use Visual Cues
Try emotion cards or a feelings chart to help children show how they feel when words are hard to find.
Reflect When Calm
Once your child is regulated, revisit the moment together:
âRemember when the socks felt scratchy and you got upset? Letâs talk about what might help next time.â
Activity of the Week
Photo by Duane Saipaia on Pexels
Tiny Trouble Toolbox
Help children build a simple set of tools they can use when small things feel too big.
Materials Needed: Small box or container, crayons or markers, paper, stickers or decorations.
Give your child a box to decorateâitâs their Tiny Trouble Toolbox.
Together, come up with calming strategies they can use when they feel overwhelmed by small frustrations. Write or draw each one on a small card. Ideas include:
Take 5 deep breaths
Hug a stuffed animal
Get a drink of water
Count to 10
Ask for help
Go to a cozy corner
Place the cards inside the toolbox. Keep it in a spot your child can easily access.
Bonus Variation: Add a small sensory item like a smooth stone, fidget toy, or piece of fabric for tactile comfort.
When children react strongly to little things, they arenât being dramaticâtheyâre learning how to manage their inner world. These moments are opportunities to teach self-regulation, build emotional vocabulary, and show unconditional support.
This week, try to see those tough moments through the eyes of your child. To them, the âsmallâ thing might be the hardest part of their day. With your patience and guidance, theyâll learn that big feelings donât have to be scaryâand that theyâre never alone in them.
With warmth and encouragement,
Millie & Melissa
The Sproutly Team
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