Building confident learners through Awe and Wonder

Young children experience emotions intensely. Feelings such as frustration, excitement, sadness, and joy can be overwhelming, particularly when children are still learning how to express themselves and make sense of the world around them. What adults often describe as “big feelings” are a normal and important part of early emotional development.

Understanding and supporting these emotions helps children feel safe, understood, and confident as they learn to regulate their feelings over time.

Why Young Children Have Big Emotional Responses

In the early years, children’s emotional development is still emerging. While they may experience strong feelings, they do not yet have the language, impulse control, or emotional regulation skills to manage them independently.

This can result in behaviour such as tantrums, withdrawal, or emotional outbursts, particularly when children are tired, hungry, or facing change. These responses are not a sign of poor behaviour but rather an expression of unmet needs or overwhelming emotions.

The Importance of Naming and Acknowledging Feelings

One of the most effective ways to support young children is by helping them recognise and name their feelings. When adults calmly acknowledge emotions, children learn that feelings are valid and manageable.

Simple phrases such as “I can see you are feeling upset” or “That was frustrating for you” help children feel understood. Over time, this supports emotional literacy and helps children develop the language they need to express themselves more clearly.

Acknowledging feelings does not mean agreeing with behaviour. It means separating emotions from actions and guiding children towards appropriate ways to respond.

Consistency and Predictability Matter

Children feel more secure when their environment is predictable. Clear routines, consistent expectations, and calm responses from adults help children understand what is happening around them and what is expected of them.

When children know what comes next, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed. Consistency between home and nursery, where possible, further supports emotional wellbeing and confidence.

How We Support Big Feelings at Redbrick

At Redbrick, supporting children’s emotional wellbeing is at the heart of our practice. We recognise that every child experiences and expresses emotions differently, and we take the time to get to know each child as an individual.

Our key person approach ensures that children have a familiar, trusted adult who understands their emotional cues, routines, and needs. This strong attachment provides children with a sense of security and reassurance, particularly during times of change or challenge.

Practitioners model calm, respectful responses and use consistent language to help children understand and name their feelings. We support children to express emotions in appropriate ways and gently guide them through challenging moments, rather than rushing or dismissing their feelings.

We also use play, stories, and everyday interactions to help children explore emotions, develop empathy, and build resilience. Children are never expected to “just cope”; instead, they are supported with patience, understanding, and care.

Supporting Big Feelings Through Play

Play provides a natural and safe way for children to explore and express emotions. Role play, stories, creative activities, and small-world play allow children to act out experiences, process feelings, and gain understanding.

Our environments are carefully planned to offer calm spaces where children can regulate, as well as opportunities for active play that supports emotional release and wellbeing.

Working in Partnership with Parents

We believe that supporting children’s emotional development works best when home and nursery work together. Regular communication allows us to share observations, celebrate progress, and support children consistently.

Parents are always encouraged to talk to us about changes at home, concerns, or questions, so that we can respond sensitively and appropriately.

Helping Children Build Emotional Resilience

Supporting big feelings is not about preventing emotions but about teaching children how to understand and manage them. With calm guidance, reassurance, and consistent support, children learn that feelings are manageable and that they are not alone.

These early experiences lay the foundation for emotional resilience, positive relationships, and wellbeing throughout childhood.