Big Feelings, Big Strategies: Helping Kids Manage Emotions

Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.TODAY'S QUESTION:"What are some coping strategies I can teach my child for handling big feelings like anger, sadness, or frustration?"Big emotions can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. When frustration, anger, or sadness take over, it’s easy to default to saying, “Calm down!”—but let’s be honest, that rarely works. In this episode, Vanessa shares a real strategy that helps kids manage big emotions in a way that actually makes sense for their developing brains. She breaks down the steps—starting with movement, then using distraction, and finally introducing coping strategies after kids are calm. Plus, she shares why practicing coping skills before emotions run high is the key to long-term success.TUNE IN TO LEARN:Why traditional “calm down” strategies don’t work in the heat of the momentThe step-by-step approach to helping kids regulate their emotionsHow movement can help release built-up energy before calming downThe power of distraction as a reset tool before talking about emotionsWhy practicing coping strategies before meltdowns makes all the differenceTAKEAWAY MESSAGE:Helping kids manage big emotions isn’t about stopping the feelings—it’s about giving them the tools to navigate them. By using movement, redirection, and practiced coping strategies, you’re helping your child develop emotional regulation skills that will serve them for life.Download Vanessa’s FREE 120 Coping Strategies Guide—complete with videos to help you and your child implement these tools—by clicking this link: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskillsListen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!Send us Fan MailSupport the showGRAB AN OFFER🎁 Free Resource: 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com/💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com/ABOUT MEI'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. I believe the people who give everything to everyone else deserve to stop surviving and start living intentionally.CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speakingDISCLAIMERFree to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed...