Tantrums, tears, giggles, and everything in between—emotions can feel like a roller coaster ride for little ones. But guess what? That’s totally normal. In Montessori, we honor emotions instead of shutting them down.
Here are some kind ways to help your child understand and manage their big feelings, one little step at a time.
- Create a calm corner with cozy cushions and emotion books
Having a designated safe spot gives your child a place to retreat when emotions get big. Stock it with soft cushions, stuffed animals, and books about feelings. Think of it as their very own emotional recharging station.
- Introduce an “emotions basket” with feeling faces and story stones
Visual tools like feeling faces, puppets, or story stones make emotions tangible. Kids can point to or hold what they’re feeling instead of struggling to find words
- Use story time to name and normalize emotions
Books are powerful! Choose stories where characters experience different emotions, then talk about it together. "How do you think she felt when she lost her toy?" It opens doors for easy, no-pressure conversations.
- Model your own emotional regulation out loud
Kids learn by watching. Narrate your feelings: “I’m feeling frustrated, so I’m going to take three deep breaths.” It shows that emotions are normal—and manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What age should I start teaching emotional skills?
Right from the toddler years! Even before they have full sentences, kids can start learning about feelings through simple words and gestures.
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Is it wrong to distract them when they’re upset?
Distraction can sometimes feel dismissive. Instead, acknowledge their feelings first: "You're sad because your tower fell," and then gently offer help or comfort.
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What Montessori materials help with emotional development?
Feeling cards, mirrors for watching facial expressions, and soft sensory materials (like textured fabrics) are great tools for early emotional learning.
- What if my child doesn't want to use the calm corner?
That’s okay! Never force it. Keep it inviting and let them know it’s there anytime they need it. Over time, they’ll explore it naturally. - How can I help when they can't express their feelings?
Offer them simple choices: "Are you feeling mad or sad?" Helping label emotions builds their emotional vocabulary one word at a time.
Messy emotions are a beautiful part of growing up—when we meet them with patience, our kids learn that all feelings are safe and welcome.
