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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
Big feelings are part of growing up. With patience, love, and presence, our children learn that even the stormiest emotions can lead back to calm. Montessori reminds us that emotional growth, like any other form of learning, takes time and that mistakes are simply part of the process.
When we slow down to listen, validate, and model calm, we help our children understand that emotions aren’t something to hide or fix. They’re something to feel, explore, and eventually understand. And in doing so, we raise children who trust themselves — and the world around them — a little more every day.
Gentle Tips to Remember
- Pause before reacting. When your child cries or yells, take a deep breath. Your calm presence teaches them how to find their own.
- Name the feeling, not the behavior. Instead of saying “stop being angry,” try “I see you’re angry, that was hard.” This simple shift helps them feel seen and safe.
- Keep a cozy corner for calm. A small rug, soft pillow, and a favorite book or stuffed toy can become their safe space to reset, not a punishment, but an invitation to breathe.
- Model what you hope to see. Let them see you manage your own frustration gently. When you say, “I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m taking a deep breath,” you show them that emotions are okay — for everyone.
- End the day with connection. A short talk, cuddle, or bedtime reflection (“What made you happy today? What made you upset?”) helps little ones learn to process feelings in a safe, loving way.
Let your Toddler Help Without Losing Your Mind.
How to Set up A Montessori Home.
Teaching Kids Self Care the Montessori Way.
Setting Up a Montessori Home: Small Changes, BIG Impact.
Encouraging Kids to Take Care of Their Own Space: Why Does It Matter?
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