Tiny Takes, Big Feelings

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 bodyWhy kids often say “I’m scared” when they mean something deeperHow to respond without dismissing the feeling3 simple tools kids can use when they feel nervousHow to help your child reframe fear into braveryKey Moments:Talking about nervous feelings before school, swim, and new experiences“I thought my teacher would be mean…” → what actually happenedWhy kids feel nervous telling parents the truthThe shift: nervous doesn’t mean stopWillow’s advice to other kids: “Hug them”Simple Tools for Kids:“Smell the flower, blow out the candle” breathingHolding a trusted adult’s handReplacing “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

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 bodyHow to shift from results-based praise → effort-based confidenceA powerful parenting reframe using the word “yet”A “tiny proud speech” your kids can use dailyA 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 perfectionHow to build confidence through small, repeatable languageQuestions 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_/🎧 Listen to More:Explore more conversations on parenting, mindset, and real life:👉 The Running Wine Mom Podcastmindful 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