How You Can Help Kids Manage Negative Emotions

April 20, 2021 / Parent Resources

There are several negative emotions we experience on a daily basis. Anxiety, stress, anger, frustration (pandemic blues!), and so much more. Sometimes when we get caught up in our own emotions, we may tend to overlook our child’s outbursts and temper tantrums. Here are some ways you can help your little one let off some steam:

Rip paper

This is especially effective if your child is unable to talk about how they’re feeling. Not only will this activity keep your kids distracted, but it will also make them feel like they’re in control of their emotions.

Pop bubble wrap

As fun as this is, it’s actually a great way to calm the mind too. When your child pops bubble wrap, it helps them manage their emotions in a healthy way.

Squishy playdough

Playing with squishy playdough can help ease tension while also letting your kids release excess energy. What’s more, it also enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills!

Wrap your arms around yourself and squeeze

Sometimes all we really need is a hug – from ourselves! This activity is the perfect way to let off some steam and remind ourselves that we are loved.

Write a letter to someone

If your child is too young to write, they could just draw instead. (or even scribble!) For those who can form sentences – even if it’s just 2 to 3 – they could write a letter to their close friends. Maybe they could even write a letter to themselves! This will spark your kids’ imagination and creativity.

Using a ‘feelings thermometer’

Draw a thermometer with your child and label it with different emotions. At the bottom of the thermometer, you could write “Calm/Happy”, and right on top you could write “Furious/Angry”. This way, your kids could point to how they’re feeling and you could help them cope better.

Use a grounding technique 

Simple techniques such as breathing deeply, putting your hands in warm water, or taking a short walk, could help distract your kids from what they’re feeling, and focus on what’s happening in the present moment!
We know that dealing with negative emotions could be a challenging experience. We hope these techniques/activities can help! Make sure to also check out our kids’ educational games and creative games for kids. Beyond teaching core skills, all our interactive games for kids also help your child develop a broader understanding of the world.