Emotion Coaching for Toddlers in everyday routines

Simple ideas for big feelings at home

Toddlers are full of feelings - and they often express them loudly! Emotion Coaching is all about helping your little one name, understand, and manage those feelings. You don’t need special tools - just a few simple ideas during your daily routines can make a big difference.

🛌 Waking Up - Start the Day with Calm

What to try:

· Greet your toddler with warmth: “Good morning! You look happy to see the sun!”

· Use simple emotion words: “You’re feeling cuddly today” or “Oh, you’re still sleepy, huh?”

· Offer a choice to support control: “Do you want to wear the blue top or the red one?”

🧠 Why it helps: Toddlers feel safe when routines are warm and predictable. Simple words help them connect emotions to experiences.

🍞 Mealtimes - Talk About Feelings with Food

What to try:

· Name emotions: “You’re excited about your toast!” or “You’re frustrated - it broke in half.”

· Use a soft toy or puppet to model: “Look, Bunny is sad she spilled her milk. Let’s help her clean it.”

· Keep it playful: Make a “happy sandwich” or “grumpy banana” face on their plate.

🧠 Why it helps: Toddlers learn emotions best when they're shown and named during real experiences.

🧩 Playtime - Follow Their Lead

What to try:

· Pretend play with toys: “Teddy is crying - what could help him feel better?”

· Join in their play and echo feelings: “You’re SO proud of your tower!”

· If things go wrong: “It’s okay to feel angry when it falls. Let’s try again.”

🧠 Why it helps: Play is how toddlers process their world. Your calm presence helps them regulate emotions over time.

🛁 Bath Time - Splash and Soothe

What to try:

· Add soft feeling words: “Water feels warm and relaxing.”

· Talk about the day: “You were sad when Mummy left, but then you had fun with Nana.”

· Try a feelings song: “If you’re happy and you know it, splash your hands!”

🧠 Why it helps: The sensory nature of water helps calm the nervous system, making it a great time for gentle reflection.

🌙 Bedtime - Name, Reassure and Rest

What to try:

· Offer cuddles and soft emotion words: “You had a big day. You felt tired and needed extra hugs.”

· Use a book about feelings (“Owl Babies,” “The Colour Monster”).

· Say: “Even when you feel sad or mad, I love you always.”

🧠 Why it helps: Emotional security at bedtime builds trust and helps toddlers process their day.

💬 Final Thought

Toddlers are learning about emotions in every moment. You don’t need perfect words - just your calm, loving presence, and a few simple feeling words during the day. You’re already their best emotion coach. Ka pai Whānau!