Big emotions are like waves

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Big emotions are like waves.

They come. They crest. And they pass.

Our job isn’t to stop the wave before it gets big—or immediately distract a child so they don’t have to feel it.

Instead, we can help them move through it.

Witness what’s happening. Acknowledge what they’re feeling. Validate why it makes sense. Then engage them in what comes next.

That last step matters.

Engaging isn’t saying, “Don’t be sad! Look at this!”

It’s saying, “I see that you’re sad. I understand why. I’m here with you. And now, when you’re ready, let’s keep moving.”

Children don’t need us to make every uncomfortable feeling disappear.

They need to learn that feelings are safe. They can feel them, move through them, and come out the other side.

🌊 W.A.V.E. — Witness. Acknowledge. Validate. Engage.