Big Emotions - One Family

Navigating big emotions in a family—whether you’re part of a big crew or a small team—isn’t always easy. One moment everything’s sunshine and giggles, the next moment someone’s feelings are hurt, or a storm is brewing over who got the last cookie. Sound familiar?

At the heart of our children’s book series is one simple truth: feelings are real, and everyone has them—sometimes all at once! And just like the weather, our moods can change quickly. That’s why we wanted to share a few calming strategies to help little ones (and grown-ups) learn how to stay grounded, supportive, and loving through the emotional ups and downs of family life.

1. Check the Weather

Encourage your child to pause and ask:

“Is someone in my family feeling sunny or stormy right now?”

Teaching kids to be aware of others’ emotions helps build empathy. You can even create a "feelings forecast" chart on the fridge where everyone can mark their mood—sunny, cloudy, stormy, windy, or rainy.

2. Respect the Bubble

Sometimes, we just need space. When siblings argue or feel overwhelmed, teach them to say:

“I need a moment in my bubble.”

This gives children permission to step away and calm down—without shame or punishment. It also teaches other family members to respect emotional boundaries.

3. I See You. I Hear You. I Love You.

When someone’s having a tough moment, this simple phrase goes a long way:

“I see you’re feeling upset. I hear what you’re saying. I love you.”

It validates the feeling without trying to fix it—just holding space. A perfect sibling or parent-to-child mantra.

4. Blow the Storm Away

Teach a calming breath visualization:

• Inhale: "Breathe in sunshine."

• Exhale: "Blow the storm cloud far away."

  
  

Even 3 deep breaths can reset the energy in the room—for both the person having big feelings and the one nearby trying to stay calm.

5. A Small Act of Love

Sometimes the best thing a sibling can do is something small but kind. A drawing. A hug. A snack offering. Or simply sitting nearby.

“You don’t have to fix the storm. You can just be the calm.”

Final Thought:

Feelings don’t always make sense. And in a family, we won’t always get it right. But with tools like these, kids can learn how to show up for one another with empathy, grace, and a little emotional weather wisdom.

We hope these calming strategies bring a little more sunshine into your home. Keep watching the skies—and each other—with love.

A Moment of Devotion

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2

In families, especially with little hearts learning big emotions, patience can feel like a scarce resource. But God gently reminds us: love doesn’t always come in grand gestures—it often shows up in the pause, in the soft reply, in the willingness to forgive and try again.

Even when tempers flare or feelings get bruised, His Spirit invites us to respond with gentleness. And in those hard moments—when you’re managing meltdowns or mediating sibling squabbles—His grace is there too.

Say this prayer as you navigate the beautiful, messy calling of raising emotionally aware children:

“Dear Lord,

Thank You for the gift of family. When emotions run high, help me anchor in Your love. Teach me to lead with gentleness, respond with grace, and model patience—even when it’s hard. Let my presence reflect Yours: calm, steady, and full of compassion.

Amen.”

You’re not just teaching your child how to calm down—you’re showing them how to love like Jesus. And even in the storm, He’s right there with you.