Navigating Big Feelings: How to Handle Behaviors at Home

Every parent has experienced those tough moments-tantrums in the grocery store, battles over bedtime, or refusal to listen after a long day. While these behaviors can feel overwhelming, they're actually a natural part of childhood development. At Scribbles Learning Center, we believe in supporting both children and families by helping build strong foundations for emotional regulation, communication, and positive discipline.

Here are some practical, compassionate tips for handling challenging behaviors at home:

1. Stay Calm and Consistent

Children often mirror our emotions. When a parent reacts with frustration or anger, it can escalate the situation. Try to respond calmly and speak in a steady voice. Set clear boundaries and stick to them-consistency gives children a sense of security.

Example: "I understand you're upset, but hitting is not okay. We use gentle hands."

2. Understand the "Why" Behind the Behavior

All behavior is communication. Is your child tired, hungry, overstimulated, or seeking attention? Identifying the cause can help you respond more effectively.

Try: Keep a behavior journal for a few days to look for patterns in timing, triggers, and reactions.

3. Offer Choices

Empowering children with choices helps them feel more in control, reducing the need for power struggles. Keep choices simple and age-appropriate.

Instead of: "Put your shoes on now!"
Say: "Would you like to wear your red shoes or your blue ones today?"

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise the behaviors you want to see more of. Be specific so your child knows exactly what they did well.

Try: "I love how you waited your turn so patiently!" instead of just "Good job."

5. Establish Routines

Predictable routines reduce anxiety and help children know what to expect. Use visual schedules, timers, or songs to make transitions smoother.

Bedtime routines, morning checklists, and after-school wind-downs all help set expectations and reduce resistance.

6. Teach Emotional Language

Help children learn to name and express their feelings. Use books, puppets, or mirrors to practice identifying emotions.

Try saying: "It looks like you're feeling frustrated. Let's take a deep breath together."

7. Create a Calm-Down Space

Designate a cozy area with pillows, stuffed animals, or sensory items where children can go to regroup when they're overwhelmed-not as a punishment, but as a reset.

This space promotes emotional regulation and can become a trusted tool for self-soothing.

8. Model the Behavior You Want to See

Children learn by watching. Narrate your own feelings and model calm problem-solving strategies.

"I'm feeling a little frustrated right now. I'm going to take three deep breaths and try again."

When to Seek Additional Support

If behaviors are intense, frequent, or impacting daily life, don't hesitate to reach out. At Scribbles Learning Center, we're here to support your family. Whether it's through teacher communication, developmental screening, or referrals to specialists, we believe in building a strong partnership between home and school.

Remember: Challenging behaviors are not signs of failure-they are opportunities to teach, connect, and grow. With patience, empathy, and consistency, your home can be a place where children feel safe to express themselves and learn important life skills.