Parenting a preschooler can feel like being caught in a whirlwind of emotions. One moment your child is bouncing with joy, and the next, they’re crying over something that seems so inconsequential. It’s hard to keep up with these quick changes, and it can be even harder to understand what’s really going on inside their little minds. As parents, we want to help our kids feel safe and understood, but figuring out how to respond to their big emotions can be a real challenge.
Your child’s emotions, even the tough ones like anger or sadness, are a normal part of their growth. Preschoolers are just beginning to learn how to handle these feelings, and they look to us to help them figure it out. But let’s be honest—when your child is having a meltdown because they didn’t get the red cup, it’s easy to feel just as overwhelmed as they are.
If you haven’t seen the movie Inside Out, it’s a great way to get a better understanding of what might be happening in your child’s brain during these emotional moments. The film follows a young girl named Riley and brings her emotions to life as characters—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. Watching how these emotions interact gives you a clear picture of why your child might act the way they do, especially when they’re feeling upset.
One scene from the movie that really stands out is when Riley, dealing with the stress of moving to a new city, has a rough day at school. She’s feeling lost and frustrated, but when she tries to express her feelings at home, her dad, who’s tired from his hard day, reacts with anger. This only makes Riley feel worse, and the situation quickly escalates into a bigger conflict.
This scene is a perfect example of how our own emotions can influence our kids. When Riley’s dad reacts with frustration, it doesn’t help her feel better—in fact, it just makes everything worse. But what if he had handled it differently? Imagine if he had taken a moment to calm down before responding. Instead of letting his own anger take over, he could have approached Riley with understanding, saying something like, “I see you’re upset. Let’s talk about what’s bothering you.” This kind of response could have helped Riley feel heard and supported, defusing the tension instead of adding to it.
The way we handle our emotions as parents plays a big role in how our kids learn to handle theirs. It’s not always easy, but taking a deep breath and choosing to respond with empathy instead of frustration can make all the difference.
Inside Out provides a fantastic window into the world of emotions, helping us see how complex and important they are. By using this insight to connect with our children and respond with empathy, we’re addressing their needs and also deepening our relationship with them. When we take the time to understand our children’s feelings and respond with patience, we’re not just calming a meltdown—we’re building a stronger bond with our kids. It’s these moments of empathy and understanding that help our children feel secure and loved, even when life gets a little overwhelming. And in the end, that’s what matters most: knowing that, no matter what, we’re in this together.
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