If you’re raising a toddler or preschooler, big feelings can feel like part of the daily routine. One minute your child is happily playing, the next they’re overwhelmed - frustrated, upset, or completely melting down over something unexpected.
These moments often catch parents off guard, especially when they happen during busy parts of the day like drop-off, pick-up, or bedtime. But the good news is this: big feelings are a normal part of early childhood development.
At Kids Academy Early Learning, we support families through these years by helping children learn how to understand and manage their emotions, one moment at a time.
What Are “Big Feelings”?
Big feelings are strong emotional responses that young children don’t yet have the skills to manage independently. These feelings might include:
- Frustration
- Anger
- Excitement
- Anxiety
- Disappointment
- Overwhelm
For children aged 1-5 years, emotions often come faster than the ability to explain them. This means feelings are shown through behaviour - crying, resistance, shouting, or withdrawing.
According to Raising Children Network, tantrums and emotional outbursts are common in the early years because children’s brains are still developing the ability to regulate emotions and cope with everyday challenges.
What’s Normal for Toddlers (1-3 Years)?
Toddlers are learning independence, but they’re still relying heavily on adults to help them manage emotions.
At this age, it’s common to see:
- Sudden tantrums
- Difficulty waiting or sharing
- Strong reactions to changes in routine
- Emotional responses when needs aren’t met immediately
These behaviours aren’t a sign of “bad behaviour”, they’re part of learning how the world works and how emotions feel.
What’s Normal for Preschoolers (3-5 Years)?
Preschoolers often have more words to express themselves, but emotional regulation is still developing.
You may notice:
- Big feelings around friendships and fairness
- Worry about new situations or changes
- Emotional tiredness after busy days
- Strong reactions even when expectations are clear
The Australian Institute of Family Studies explains that emotional self-regulation continues to develop throughout early childhood and into the school years.
Why Big Feelings Often Show Up When Children Are Learning
Big feelings often appear during moments of growth. Learning new skills - social, emotional, or cognitive - can be challenging before it feels manageable.
This can include:
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Learning to share or take turns
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Navigating friendships
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Managing disappointment
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Adjusting to routines or transitions
The Early Years Learning Framework recognises emotional wellbeing as essential to learning, highlighting that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and understood.
With calm support, emotional moments help children build resilience, confidence, and empathy over time.
How Kids Academy Supports Children Through Big Feelings
At Kids Academy Early Learning, emotional wellbeing is part of everyday learning through our Lifelong Learning Curriculum.
Our educators support children by:
- Responding calmly and consistently during emotional moments
- Helping children name feelings in simple, age-appropriate ways
- Maintaining predictable routines that support emotional regulation
- Offering reassurance and connection when children feel overwhelmed
- Working closely with families to ensure continuity between home and care
Rather than rushing children through emotions, we support them through each stage, helping children feel safe as they build emotional skills at their own pace.
Learn more about our approach to early learning here.
When Might Families Look for Extra Support?
While big feelings are expected in early childhood, it’s okay to seek guidance if:
- Emotional outbursts are becoming more intense or frequent
- Your child appears withdrawn or anxious for long periods
- Behaviour is affecting daily routines
- You’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed as a parent
Your child’s educators are always a great place to start - we’re here to support families, not judge them.
You’re Not Alone in This Stage
Big feelings can be challenging, especially when you’re already juggling work, routines, and family life. Supporting emotional development isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about offering patience, consistency, and care.
At Kids Academy, we work alongside families to help children build emotional skills that support learning, friendships, and confidence for the years ahead.
If you’d like to see how we support emotional wellbeing at Kids Academy, we’d love to welcome you for a tour.