Big Emotions & the Developing Brain: What Children Really Need

Why do children experience emotions so intensely? Child psychologist Faye explains what’s happening in the developing brain and how parents can respond with connection rather than control.

Welcome to the first instalment of our new monthly mini-series on Dam Parenting, where we delve into significant parenting topics in concise, manageable episodes. We're thrilled to reintroduce our resident child psychologist, Faye from Kerr Psychology, who previously joined us in Episode 75 to discuss building resilience and a growth mindset in children.

To kick off this new series , Eva and Faye will explore the world of "big emotions" in young children—those intense reactions that can be perplexing and challenging for parents. Faye helps us understand the developmental aspects behind these emotions and offers practical strategies for managing them effectively.

What You'll Learn:

• Defining Big Emotions: Understanding what constitutes "big emotions" in young children and why they occur.

• Developmental Insights: Exploring the role of brain development, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, in children's emotional responses.

• Everyday Examples: Discussing common scenarios like frustration over putting on shoes, food refusal, and end-of-day meltdowns, and what they signify.

• Meltdowns vs. Tantrums: Differentiating between the two and understanding age-related factors.

• Co-Regulation Techniques: Learning how to stay calm and connected, using phrases like "I see you're upset. I'm here with you."

• "Name It to Tame It": The importance of labeling emotions to help children feel understood and develop self-regulation skills.

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Resources Mentioned:

• Introducing helpful tools and books, such as The Invisible String, or The Huge Bag of Worries to support emotional development.

  Other examples: The Worrysaurus and Stompysaurus by Rachel Bright

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Join the Conversation:

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Thank you for tuning in to Dam Parenting. Remember, understanding your child's big emotions is a step toward more connected and empathetic parenting.