Preschoolers feel emotions just as deeply as adults — sometimes even more so! But because their brains are still developing, they don’t yet have the skills to manage those big feelings on their own. That’s why emotional regulation is such a crucial part of early childhood development.

At Evergreen Explorers Preschool, we embrace every emotion — from happy giggles to frustrated tears — as an opportunity for growth. Let’s dive into how we help tiny humans stay calm, confident, and connected.

Why Emotional Regulation Is Critical (and Science Says So!)

According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2010), emotional regulation in early childhood is directly linked to future success in school, relationships, and even work. Their research shows that a child's ability to manage emotions affects executive function — the mental skills involved in planning, attention, and self-control.

Additionally, a study published in Child Development (Denham et al., 2012) found that preschoolers with stronger emotional regulation skills were better able to form friendships, solve social problems, and adjust successfully to classroom routines.

In short:
👉 Emotional regulation builds smarter, happier, more resilient kids.

What Big Emotions Look Like in Preschoolers

Your preschooler’s brain is busy wiring itself for self-control, empathy, and emotional understanding. During this stage, it's normal to see:

Meltdowns over small frustrations
Tears when saying goodbye at drop-off
Giggles and squeals that quickly turn into overwhelm
Difficulty sharing toys or waiting their turn

Recognizing these behaviors as normal developmental milestones can help adults stay calm and supportive.

How We Teach Emotional Regulation at Preschool

At Evergreen Explorers, emotional development is woven into everything we do! Here's how we help little ones:

1. Emotion Naming

Children learn to identify and name their feelings ("I feel mad," "I feel excited") — a key first step toward managing them.

🧠 Research Tip:
Children who can label their emotions are better able to control them (Saarni, 1999).

2. Modeling Calm Responses

Our teachers model deep breathing, problem-solving, and respectful conflict resolution throughout the day.

3. Safe Spaces for Big Feelings

We offer cozy corners, sensory tools, and calm-down kits so children can take a break when emotions feel overwhelming.

4. Predictable Routines

Consistent daily routines help preschoolers feel safe and secure, lowering emotional outbursts caused by uncertainty.

How You Can Support Emotional Growth at Home

Parents and caregivers play a powerful role in emotional development! Here’s how you can help:

Acknowledge emotions first: "You're really upset because we can't go to the park."
Teach calming strategies: Practice "belly breathing" together when everyone is calm.
Stay calm yourself: Your steady energy gives your child a safe emotional anchor.
Praise effort, not outcome: "You worked hard to calm your body down!"

Final Thoughts

Big feelings aren’t "bad" — they're a vital part of growing up! By teaching preschoolers emotional regulation, we’re helping them build the tools they’ll need for a lifetime of confidence, resilience, and healthy relationships.

At Evergreen Explorers Preschool, we see every tear, tantrum, and triumph as part of the incredible journey of childhood.

Big feelings can feel big — but you don't have to navigate them alone!
At Evergreen Explorers Preschool, we believe emotions are part of the adventure. Our teachers guide little ones through those tricky moments with patience, love, and proven strategies.

🎒 Want to see how we turn tears into triumphs?
Come tour our preschool and experience our calm, nurturing environment firsthand— because we’re all in this together. 💛

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Tiny Humans, Big Emotions: How to Help Preschoolers Stay Calm and Confident