Big Emotions, Big Emotions , My, Oh My!
By Michaela E. Gordon, OTR/L
I’m excited to share my latest children’s book, Big Emotions, Big Emotions, My, Oh My!
Sometimes when children feel anxious, angry, upset, or overwhelmed, they don’t necessarily want to talk about it. And when emotions are already running high, the thought of being told that they need to “manage” or “control” those emotions can feel overwhelming in itself.
That was one of the reasons I wanted to create this book.
Rather than simply telling children exactly what they should do when they have big emotions, I wanted to create a story that helps them see they are not alone and that there are many ways to work through emotions.
First, Kai learns to ask for help.
Kai begins the story feeling stuck. He knows that his big emotions are getting in his way, but he doesn’t know what to do. So instead of trying to figure everything out by himself, he asks his friends for help.
Throughout the story, Kai learns from each of them—and eventually from his older brother, Peter.
One of the messages I hope children take away is that friends, siblings, caregivers, teachers, and other trusted people can be part of their support system. They don’t have to figure everything out on their own.
Second, Kai discovers that big emotions happen to everyone.
Each of Kai’s friends experiences big emotions, but they don’t all experience them in the same way.
One child feels worried. Another becomes angry and wants to yell or throw things. Another feels overwhelmed. Their experiences are different, and so are the ways they respond.
This is important because there isn’t one specific way to experience or work through an emotion and there isn’t a “right” way to manage emotions. The caregiver section of the book reinforces this idea, explaining that children can discover and practice the tools that work best for them.
Third, the children share simple tools.
Each friend introduces Kai to a different strategy.They are intentionally simple, practical, and require no special equipment or materials. They include things like noticing feelings in the body, taking slow breaths, using movement or pressure, keeping hands and bodies safe, and using kind and reassuring self-talk.
These are tools children can practice and use throughout their day—at home, at school, on the playground, or wherever big feelings happen to show up.
And importantly, Kai learns that the goal isn’t necessarily to make his feelings disappear. As his brother explains, he can keep asking for support and trying different tools to discover what works for him.
And then there is the rhythm and humor.
I wrote this book in a rhythmic, playful format because I wanted the story to be engaging and easy for children to take in, especially when we’re talking about something that can otherwise feel heavy.
There is also plenty of humor woven throughout the story. Sometimes a little laughter and playfulness can make a difficult topic feel much more approachable.
The result is a book that talks about big emotions without making big emotions feel like a problem that needs to be fixed.
Instead, Kai learns:
Big feelings happen to everyone.
He doesn’t have to face them alone.
He can try different tools.
And he can learn what works for him.
A little something for adults, too!
At the end of the story, I included a note for caregivers and professionals with additional information about big emotions and simple ways to support children.
It includes ideas for talking about emotions, helping children notice how feelings show up in their bodies, practicing regulation tools, thinking through challenging situations, and supporting children as they learn to navigate difficult moments.
Life can be stressful and difficult to navigate sometimes—for children and adults alike.
My hope is that Big Emotions, Big Emotions, My, Oh My! helps children feel a little less alone when those big feelings show up and gives them a few simple tools they can carry with them.
I hope it helps many children, families, caregivers, and professionals along the way.
You can purchase a copy of Big Emotions, Big Emotions, My, Oh My! on Amazon.
Thank you so much for supporting my books and the work I do.
I hope you love it! ❤️