Big Little Feelings: 6 Ways to Support Your Child’s Emotional Ups and Downs

Hi there, I’m Pat — your calm and steady friend. Big feelings can feel stormy, but they’re all part of growing up. I’m here to help you guide your family through those waves with warmth and calm. Let’s take it one breath at a time.

Toddlers and preschoolers feel things big. Joy, frustration, sadness, excitement—they don’t yet have the tools to manage all those emotions. But every tricky moment is an opportunity to build their emotional resilience and deepen your connection.

At PatchO, we believe in supporting little hearts with intention, play, and gentle tools that work. Here are some simple, research-backed ways to help your child ride the waves of their big little feelings.

1. Name the Feeling

Children can’t regulate what they can’t name. Saying things like, “You look really frustrated,” or “That made you feel sad, didn’t it?” helps kids make sense of what they’re feeling.

PatchO Tip: Keep a simple feelings chart on the fridge with faces and words. Let your child point to how they feel. It builds vocabulary and confidence.

2. Breathe Together—Make It Playful

Play-based breathing is a superpower for calming the nervous system. Try:

  •  “Smell the flower, blow out the candle”
  • “Bubble breaths” (slowly blow big imaginary bubbles)
  • “Bear breathing” (hands on belly, slow inhales and exhales)

PatchO Tip: Add a PatchO Pal to a nearby toy or cushion and invite your child to “smell the calm” as they breathe in the comforting scent.

3. Validate Before Guiding

Rather than jumping to solutions, offer simple empathy first:

  • “That really upset you.”
  • “It’s okay to be disappointed.”
  • “You’re feeling a big feeling. I’m right here.”

Why it matters: When a child feels seen and safe, they’re better able to co-regulate with you—and open up to support.

4. Offer a Soothing Environment

Sometimes, calm comes from a change of space. Create a “calm corner” with:

  • Cozy cushions or a blanket
  • Books, soft toys, or a sensory jar
  • A PatchO patch nearby (on a pillow or plush) for calming aroma support

Movement can also help release pent-up energy before calming. Try a silly dance or quick wiggle session first, then transition to quiet play.

5. Use a PatchO Comfort Companion

PatchO patches are more than adorable stickers—they're infused with gentle, natural essential oils that support emotional balance through safe aromatherapy.
Let your child choose their Pal based on how they feel. They all share the same scent and calm but it's also their imagination which helps to shape their calm at that moment.

  • Pat the Platypus (that's me!) for calm and grounding
  • Tilly the Treefrog for playfulness and energy
  • Chad the Water Dragon for courage and resilience

How to use: Stick the patch to your child’s clothing (never on skin), or a nearby item like a backpack, blanket, or teddy. One patch lasts up to 8 hours.

6. End with a Reset

After the big feelings settle, help your child reset:

  • Share a cuddle and a quiet song
  • Do a simple stretch or shake-out
  • Name 3 things they’re grateful for

Every one of these moments builds your child’s emotional toolbox. And you don’t have to do it perfectly—you just have to keep showing up.

A Gentle Closing Thought

Every deep breath, every naming of a feeling, and every PatchO Pal moment helps your child learn they are safe, loved, and capable of moving through their big emotions. Emotional resilience starts with connection, and you’re already doing the most important part just by being calm yourself and by being there for them.

💛 With calm and care, Pat the Platypus 

Ready to bring more calm and connection to your family’s day?

From morning routines to emotional wobbles and bedtime wind-downs, PatchO offers gentle, feel-good support — with a little help from nature and a playful friend by your side.

👉 Explore the Comfort Companions

Pat the Platypus - PatchO Pals Comfort Companion for kids

✍️Written by the PatchO Team
🦦 Shared with care by Pat the Platypus
Pat is calm, steady, and always ready to help when things feel a little stormy. He’s the perfect pal for transitions, bedtime routines, or moments that need a deep breath.

About PatchO
At PatchO, we’re a small Aussie team on a mission to inspire families to embrace life’s adventures — big and small. Our Comfort Companions are thoughtfully designed to support connection, play, and meaningful moments together. Whether you’re navigating bedtime, busy mornings, or emotional ups and downs, we’re here to help make everyday rhythms feel calmer, more connected, and a little more magical — with the support of nature and our friendly PatchO Pals.

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