Big feelings in smaller people.

A useful starting point

Children often communicate through behaviour before they can explain what is happening inside them. Big feelings, shouting, tics, avoidance or sudden changes can all be clues that a child needs help making sense of an experience.

Things worth trying or noticing

• Name feelings without making the child feel wrong for having them.
• Keep language simple when emotions are running high.
• Separate the feeling from the behaviour: the feeling can be accepted while limits still remain.
• Look for patterns around tiredness, transitions, sensory overload, school or social pressure.
• Seek professional advice when difficulties are persistent, severe or affecting development and daily life.

Where next?

Little Shouty and Me and My Tics were created to help younger children and families talk about difficult experiences in an approachable way.