Helping Your Child Manage Emotions at Home: Practical Tips for Parents

Parenting comes with many joys, but it also comes with challenges—especially when it comes to helping children manage their emotions. Whether your child struggles with frustration, anxiety, or impulse control, teaching emotional regulation at home can set them up for success in all areas of life.

At Calm Reflections Books, we believe in empowering children with tools to navigate their emotions. Here are some practical ways you can support your child’s emotional growth right at home.

1. Create a Calm-Down Space

Children need a safe place to regulate their emotions when they feel overwhelmed. Designate a calm-down space in your home filled with soothing items like:

• A cozy blanket or pillow

• Sensory toys (stress balls, fidget toys, etc.)

• A feelings chart or emotion flashcards

• Calm Reflections Books collection

  • Encourage your child to use this space when they need a break, helping them associate self-regulation with a positive, comforting environment.

2. Use Emotion Words Daily

Help your child build emotional awareness by naming and validating their feelings. Instead of saying, "Calm down," try:

• "I see that you’re feeling frustrated. Let’s take a deep breath together."

• "You seem excited! Want to tell me more about what’s making you happy?" Normalizing conversations about emotions helps children feel understood and equips them with the language they need to express themselves.

3. Practice Mindful Breathing Together

Teaching children simple breathing techniques can help them regain control when emotions run high. Try:

• Balloon Breaths: Pretend to blow up a balloon by inhaling deeply and then slowly exhaling.

• Five-Finger Breathing: Trace one hand with the other, breathing in as you move up each finger and out as you move down. Practicing these techniques regularly—especially when children are calm—makes it easier for them to use these tools in stressful moments.

• Candle Breathing: Pretend to blow out candles by inhaling deeply and then slowly exhaling. I watched my assistant principal regulate a student by having the student pretend to blow out candles. He chose a number, and that was how many times he inhaled and exhaled deeply. This helped the student calm down and talk about what was bothering him.

4. Model Healthy Emotional Regulation

Children learn by watching their parents. When you model self-regulation, they see firsthand how to handle big emotions. Try narrating your emotions aloud:

• "I’m feeling a little overwhelmed right now, so I’m going to take a deep breath."

• "I’m upset, but instead of yelling, I’m going to take a break and come back to this later." Showing that it’s okay to have feelings—and how to handle them—sets a powerful example.

5. Read Books That Teach Emotional Skills

Stories are an excellent way to help children relate their emotions and see positive coping strategies in action. The books in the Calm Reflections Books collection introduce children to emotional regulation in a fun, engaging way, giving them practical tools they can use in everyday life.

Helping Your Child, One Step at a Time

Emotional regulation is a skill that takes time to develop. By creating a supportive environment, modeling healthy habits, and using tools like Calm Reflections Books, you’re giving your child the foundation they need to thrive.

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