Big feelings can feel all-consuming, for children and for the adults supporting them.
One moment your child is happily playing, the next they’re overwhelmed by frustration, disappointment, or exhaustion. Often, it happens at the end of a long day, during a transition, or when words don’t quite come easily enough to explain how they feel.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Big feelings are a normal and important part of early childhood development, especially during the toddler and preschool years.
At Papilio Early Learning, we see emotional moments not as something to “fix”, but as opportunities to support children as they learn to understand themselves and the world around them.
What Are “Big Feelings” in Early Childhood?
Big feelings are strong emotional responses that young children are still learning how to recognise, express, and regulate. These emotions might include:
- Frustration
- Anger
- Excitement
- Anxiety
- Disappointment
- Overwhelm
Between the ages of 1 and 5, children’s emotional development is still unfolding. Their feelings often arrive before the skills needed to manage them calmly, which is why emotions are expressed through behaviour - tears, resistance, withdrawal, or emotional outbursts.
According to Raising Children Network, this is a typical part of development, as young children’s brains are still building the foundations for emotional regulation and self-control.
What’s Typical for Toddlers (1-3 Years)?
Toddlers are navigating a powerful mix of growing independence and limited emotional control.
At this stage, it’s common to see:
- Sudden emotional outbursts
- Difficulty waiting, sharing, or transitioning between activities
- Strong attachment to routines and familiar people
- Big reactions to small frustrations
Toddlers rely on calm, responsive adults to help them feel safe while their emotional skills are still developing.
What’s Typical for Preschoolers (3-5 Years)?
Preschoolers often have more language and awareness, but emotional regulation is still emerging.
Families may notice:
- Strong feelings linked to friendships and fairness
- Worry or hesitation in unfamiliar situations
- Emotional exhaustion after busy days
- Big reactions even when expectations are understood
The Australian Institute of Family Studies explains that emotional self-regulation continues to develop throughout early childhood and into the school years.
Why Big Feelings Often Appear During Growth
Big feelings frequently surface during periods of learning and change. Moments that require children to adapt - socially, emotionally, or cognitively - can feel overwhelming before they feel manageable.
This might include:
- Learning to share or take turns
- Navigating friendships
- Managing disappointment
- Adjusting to new routines or expectations
The Early Years Learning Framework places emotional wellbeing at the heart of learning, recognising that children learn best when they feel secure, supported, and understood.
With consistent support, these emotional experiences help children build resilience, empathy, and confidence over time.
How Papilio Supports Emotional Wellbeing
At Papilio Early Learning, emotional wellbeing is thoughtfully embedded within our Lifelong Learning Curriculum.
Our educators take a considered, responsive approach to emotional development by:
- Creating calm, predictable environments
- Acknowledging children’s emotions before guiding behaviour
- Supporting children to gradually name and understand feelings
- Maintaining consistent routines that support emotional regulation
- Working in partnership with families to provide continuity between home and care
Rather than rushing children through emotional moments, we offer reassurance, connection, and time, supporting children to feel safe as they build emotional understanding at their own pace.
Learn more about how emotional wellbeing is woven through our curriculum, here.
When Families Might Seek Extra Support
While big feelings are developmentally expected, families may seek additional guidance if:
- Emotional responses are intensifying over time
- A child appears persistently anxious or withdrawn
- Behaviour is significantly impacting daily routines
- Parents or caregivers feel uncertain or overwhelmed
At Papilio, educators work closely with families to provide reassurance, insight, and support, always with care and respect.
Supporting Emotional Growth, Together
If you’re navigating big feelings at home, it’s worth remembering: emotional development takes time. Supporting a young child through their emotions isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, patience, and connection.
At Papilio, we partner with families to create emotionally secure learning environments where children feel understood, supported, and confident to grow.
If you’d like to see how emotional wellbeing is supported at Papilio, we invite you to visit your local centre.