Children sometimes have BIG emotions. One way to support this need is to step back and take a larger look at what’s really happening. Supporting the whole child means managing big emotions with a holistic view of needs. Have you ever asked yourself about those BIG feelings kids get? Maybe something like…
Why does my child get overwhelmed so easily?
For many parents, this is one of the most common and confusing questions. Some children seem to feel everything more deeply. This includes frustration, excitement, worry, or even joy. Looking through a holistic lens, we can see that these reactions aren’t just about emotions. They are connected to sensory processing, emotional development, and cognitive growth. These are three systems that work together to help a child stay calm, think clearly, and respond to the world around them.
When one of these systems is out of balance, a child may become overwhelmed quickly. A noisy classroom, bright lights, or a sudden change in plans might feel “too much” for their nervous system. For the highly sensitive child, these stressors can trigger strong emotions and behaviors that look like defiance or meltdown, but are really signals of dysregulation.
This page on managing big emotions with a holistic view is part of our series on taking a holistic view of social emotional skills in kids. Check out all of the resources where we answer common questions from parents.
How do I help my highly sensitive child manage big feelings?
Supporting a child’s emotional regulation starts with understanding their whole system. Instead of focusing only on the behavior, look at what’s happening underneath.
- Emotional – Validate feelings first: “I see you’re frustrated.” Labeling emotions helps build awareness and trust.
- Sensory – Notice triggers in the environment. Is it too noisy, too bright, or too stimulating? A calm corner, headphones, or weighted blanket can make a huge difference.
- Cognitive – Teach problem-solving and self-talk when your child is calm: “What can I do when I feel upset?” Simple visuals or scripts can help them recall strategies later.
- Focus on social skills. You can really support the child by addressing social skills in play.
Through this holistic approach, parents begin to recognize that emotional outbursts are not failures — they are opportunities to teach coping skills and build resilience.
What actually helps kids calm down when breathing doesn’t work?
Sometimes, the go-to advice of “take a deep breath” just isn’t enough. For a dysregulated child, especially one with sensory or emotional sensitivities, breathing might not reach the root cause.
Here are a few whole child strategies that can help:
- Movement first. Jumping, wall pushes, or stretching can reset the body’s sensory system.
- Deep pressure. A hug, tight squeeze, or rolling in a blanket can activate calming input.
- Connection before correction. When a child feels seen and safe, their brain shifts from “fight or flight” to “ready to learn.”
- Predictability. Use visual routines and calm-down cards to help them know what comes next.
These strategies work because they address emotional regulation from every angle, including body, brain, and heart.
Taking a Holistic Vies of Big Feelings with the Whole Child Guide
At Whole Child Guide, we believe that understanding emotional regulation means understanding the whole child. Parents can use our directory to connect with professionals who support emotional and sensory development, from occupational therapists and counselors to parent coaches and child psychologists.
Every child deserves to be seen, supported, and understood, and not just managed. Through a holistic view of development, families and professionals can work together to turn big feelings into opportunities for growth.
Find child development professionals near you who specialize in emotional regulation and holistic child support:
Explore the Whole Child Guide Directory
