You know those moments a child crumples on the floor because their tower fell, or cries when it’s time to clean up. It’s tempting to jump in with “You’re okay!” or “Let’s fix it!” But sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is just see the feeling.

When you say, “You feel sad that it broke,” something shifts. The child exhales. You’ve told them it’s okay to feel what they feel. That simple reflection turns chaos into connection.

For toddlers and preschoolers, this is how they learn that emotions don’t have to be scary. You’re teaching the language of self-regulation  one “I see you” moment at a time.

Next time a child cries or shouts, pause before reacting. Reflect the feeling:
“You’re frustrated because it’s not working yet.”

No advice, no fixing  just presence. That’s where growth begins.