Everyone, at any age, can experience “big feelings” like joy, sadness, anger, fear. And sometimes, those emotions can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even difficult to recognize. For children, navigating these emotions is a critical part of their development, and without the right tools and support, it can be hard for kids to express how they feel.
Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Children Advocacy Program works to empower children to recognize and understand their emotions while supporting caregivers in fostering their emotional well-being. Through our presentations on Emotional Regulation, we visit schools and other children’s organizations to teach kids how to identify, name, and manage their feelings in ways that are fun and empowering.
Our staff and students always love when Golisano’s Children Advocacy Program visits our school. The presentation they provide for my pre-k students is always fun and exciting. The kids really love learning about their feelings in a fun way. We always welcome them with open arms!
– Laura Castro, Pre-K Teacher at Wiz Kids Cape Coral (formally, Bobbie Noonan)
Big Feelings, Life-Long Lessons
These Emotional Regulation presentations focus on three key areas that help children navigate their emotions:
- Identifying Feelings: Children explore ways to recognize their emotions and the vocabulary to express them.
- Coping Strategies: Children learn practical techniques to help manage big feelings in healthy and constructive ways.
- Building a Support System: Children discover the value of turning to trusted adults to share their emotions, building a foundation of safety and trust.
Each session includes interactive, age-appropriate activities that ask children how different situations make them feel, introduce new “feelings words,” and guide them through strategies to boost self-awareness and emotional regulation.
A Big Feeling Toolkit for Caregivers
For parents and caregivers, supporting and managing challenging behaviors can be overwhelming – especially when dealing with your own emotions. It can help to remember that all behavior is a form of communication. Younger children, or those with limited verbal skills, may not have the words to express themselves fully. Fortunately, there are practical strategies you can use to support children during these moments:
- Practice Empathy: Understand that challenging behaviors often reflect unspoken emotions.
- Validate Feelings: Acknowledge what the child is feeling and let them know their emotions are valid.
- Ask Questions: Seek to clarify their emotions to better understand their experience.
- Provide Guidance: Help children develop healthy coping skills for managing their emotions.
I have seen such a progress in some of our children that had challenging behaviors this season! It has been such a big help! Thank you!
– Etelbi Lopez, Health Worker at RCMA Immokalee Community Academy
Why Emotional Regulation Matters
Helping children understand and manage their “big feelings” not only reduces challenging behaviors but also fosters their lifelong mental health and well-being. By learning emotional regulation, children develop the critical skills they need to enhance their resilience, improve social interactions, and support academic success. These foundational building blocks equip them to meet life’s challenges, form positive relationships, and thrive.
If you’re interested in bringing our Emotional Regulation presentations to your school or organization, please contact Lorena Rodriguez with the Child Advocacy Department.
Contact Lorena