How to Help Kids with Nervous Feelings (Without Saying “You’re Fine”)

How to Handle Grumpy Kids Without Power Struggles | Tiny Takes, Big Feelings

Why do kids get SO grumpy over the tiniest things? Scratchy socks. The wrong cup. Being told to hurry up. A broken granola bar. In this episode of Tiny Takes, Big Feelings, Samantha and her 5.5-year-old co-host Willow dive into the surprisingly real science behind grumpy moods — and why being “grumpy” is usually about overwhelm, hunger, exhaustion, or sensory overload… not just “bad behavior.” Together, they talk about: * Why kids melt down over “small” things * What grumpy feelings actually feel like inside a child’s brain * Why “calm down” never works * Signs your child is emotionally overloaded * The connection between hunger and emotions (“hangry” is VERY real) * What parents should avoid saying during grumpy moments * Easy co-regulation tools that actually help * Why adults get grumpy too Willow also shares her Toy of the Week favorites, including her Spidey friends, a Wicked book, and Cinderella. This episode is funny, honest, and incredibly relatable for parents trying to survive big emotions — including their own. ---------------------------------------- grumpy kids podcast, emotional regulation for kids, parenting podcast, child emotions, toddler emotions, parenting big feelings, how to help grumpy kids, sensory overload kids, co regulation parenting, gentle parenting podcast, motherhood podcast, parenting humor, emotional intelligence for kids, Tiny Takes Big Feelings, Samantha Cieslinski

Why Kids Get So Excited | Parenting Big Emotions in Children

What does excitement actually feel like for kids? In this episode of Tiny Takes, Big Feelings, Samantha and 5-year-old Willow dive into the BIG feeling of excitement — from birthday countdowns and Disney rides to excitement crashes, “loud tired,” and why waiting feels impossible for little kids. Willow shares the most excited she’s ever been (her birthday nail salon party), why anticipation “hurts your brain,” and how excitement can sometimes turn into frustration, crying, or roller coaster tummy flips. Samantha also talks about: * why excitement is more than happiness * the science behind anticipation and overstimulation * why kids ask “is it time yet?” 500 times * post-party and post-Disney emotional crashes * how parents can help kids regulate BIG positive emotions Plus: * Willow shares her favorite things this week * the viral-worthy concept of being “loud tired” * NeeDoh sensory toys * Gabby’s Dollhouse excitement * Disney excitement chaos * Willow’s Tiny Take of the Week for parents This episode is funny, honest, chaotic, and deeply relatable for parents navigating emotional regulation with young kids. ---------------------------------------- LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE FEATURED TOY THIS WEEK * NeeDoh Sensory Toys [https://schylling.com/brand/needoh/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] SHOWS & THINGS MENTIONED * Gabby’s Dollhouse Live & Movies [https://www.gabbysdollhouse.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Walt Disney World [https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Seven Dwarfs Mine Train [https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/seven-dwarfs-mine-train/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Tiana’s Bayou Adventure [https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/tianas-bayou-adventure/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] kids emotions, emotional regulation for kids, parenting podcast, excitement in children, kids excitement meltdown, parenting big feelings, emotional development, overstimulation in kids, anticipation in children, parenting tips, motherhood podcast, mom podcast, raising emotionally healthy kids, Disney with kids, loud tired kids, tiny takes big feelings, sensory toys for kids, NeeDoh toy, preschool emotions, kindergarten emotions

How to Help Kids with Nervous Feelings (Without Saying “You’re Fine”)

What does “nervous” actually feel like for kids—and what are they really trying to tell us? In this episode of Tiny Takes, Big Feelings, Samantha and her daughter Willow talk through one of the most common childhood emotions: nervousness. From first-day-of-school worries to swim class fears and telling the truth after doing something wrong, this conversation breaks down what nervous feelings look like in a child’s body—and how parents can respond in a way that builds confidence instead of shutting emotions down. You’ll hear real, unfiltered kid responses (including some hilarious moments), plus simple tools your child can actually use in the moment. ---------------------------------------- WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: * What nervousness feels like in a child’s body * Why kids often say “I’m scared” when they mean something deeper * How to respond without dismissing the feeling * 3 simple tools kids can use when they feel nervous * How to help your child reframe fear into bravery ---------------------------------------- KEY MOMENTS: * Talking about nervous feelings before school, swim, and new experiences * “I thought my teacher would be mean…” → what actually happened * Why kids feel nervous telling parents the truth * The shift: nervous doesn’t mean stop * Willow’s advice to other kids: “Hug them” ---------------------------------------- SIMPLE TOOLS FOR KIDS: * “Smell the flower, blow out the candle” breathing * Holding a trusted adult’s hand * Replacing “I can’t” with “I can try” ---------------------------------------- PARENT TAKEAWAY: Nervous isn’t something to fix—it’s something to understand. It usually means your child is about to do something that matters to them. ---------------------------------------- CALL TO ACTION: If you’re listening with your child, pause and ask: 👉 “Where do you feel nervous in your body?” And don’t forget to follow Tiny Takes, Big Feelings for weekly real conversations that help kids understand their emotions—and help you respond in a way that actually works. ---------------------------------------- kids emotions, nervous child, helping kids with anxiety, parenting tips emotional regulation, how to help kids with fear, kids mental health, emotional regulation for kids, parenting podcast moms, feelings for kids explained, childhood anxiety help, gentle parenting tools, mindful parenting, parenting podcast for moms, kids feelings podcast, emotional development children

Tiny Takes, Big Feelings: Teaching Kids Pride (Without Pressure)

Being a kid is a big job — and helping them navigate big feelings? Even bigger. In the very first episode of Tiny Takes, Big Feelings, Samantha sits down with her 5-year-old daughter, Willow, for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it means to feel proud. This isn’t about trophies, perfection, or doing things “the best.” It’s about effort, progress, and helping kids recognize their own growth. Inside this episode, you’ll hear: * A simple way to help kids identify emotions in their body * How to shift from results-based praise → effort-based confidence * A powerful parenting reframe using the word “yet” * A “tiny proud speech” your kids can use daily * A real-life moment: training for a first run (with tears… and growth) This is the kind of conversation you can play in the car, at pickup, or before dinner — and actually use. ---------------------------------------- 🧠 What You’ll Learn: * Why “proud” should be tied to progress, not perfection * How to build confidence through small, repeatable language * Questions that get kids talking (without forcing it) * How to model emotional awareness in everyday moments ---------------------------------------- 💬 Try This at Home: At dinner tonight, ask: “What’s one thing you’re proud of today?” Then model it yourself. ---------------------------------------- 📲 Connect + Share Your Wins: Tell us your child’s “proud moment” this week: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningwinemom_/ [https://www.instagram.com/therunningwinemom_/] ---------------------------------------- 🎧 Listen to More: Explore more conversations on parenting, mindset, and real life: 👉 The Running Wine Mom Podcast mindful parenting, teaching kids confidence, how to build confidence in kids, parenting tips emotional development, kids emotions podcast, parenting podcast moms, raising confident kids, growth mindset kids, how to teach resilience children, mom podcast real talk, parenting young children mindset, emotional intelligence kids