Helping Kids Cope with Emotions

Kids start feeling emotions at a very young age. Emotions are helpful in fully enjoying life experiences, helping us connect with others, and serving as an “alarm system” when something is not right.

Emotion regulation - talking to children about emotions and teaching them how to manage and cope with strong emotions - will help them have more control over their behaviors and choices. And that’s good for their mental health.

Learn about ways you can help your children learn to face the emotions they experience every day.

Latest Resources

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HOW-TO GUIDES
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Why Teach Kids About Coping with Emotions?

Children experience a variety of emotions daily. But noticing, understanding and knowing how to cope with emotions is not something kids are born with!

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Skill 1: Naming Emotions

As children start talking, it’s important we teach them feelings words. Building their emotional language helps them express how they are feeling.

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Skill 2: Helping Kids Notice How They’re Feeling

We can only express and control our emotions if we are able to notice them as they are happening and understand how they affect our thoughts and behavior.

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Skill 3: Expressing Emotions Appropriately

Children sometimes learn to avoid certain emotions, like anger, sadness or loneliness. We can teach that people experience a wide range of emotions as a regular part of life.

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Skill 4: Coping with Strong Emotions

We can teach children that while all emotions are normal and valid, we have control over our choices and behaviors.


Additional Resources


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Managing Anger in Kids

No matter their age, learning how to manage anger and frustration is an important process throughout a child's development. Use these tips and tools to help manage your child’s anger.