Big Feelings in Little People: Understanding Emotional Outbursts in Young Children

If you’ve ever found yourself in a supermarket aisle with a crying, screaming toddler… you’re not alone. Emotional outbursts are part of childhood — but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to handle, especially when they become frequent, intense, or unpredictable.

At Little Minds Psychology, we hear from many parents who say:

“They go from 0 to 100 in seconds.”

“Nothing I do seems to help.”

“They’re so lovely — but then the smallest thing sets them off.”

These moments can feel exhausting and even worrying. But the good news is: with the right support, big feelings can become more manageable — for both children and parents.

Why Do Young Children Have Big Emotions?

Young children are still developing the skills to understand, express, and regulate their emotions. When they feel overwhelmed — by change, frustration, tiredness, confusion, or whatever it is that's troubling them — their immature brains are wired to react with emotion rather than reason.

Some common causes of outbursts include:

• Transitions (e.g., moving between activities or places)

• Unmet needs (like hunger, sensory overload, or fatigue)

• Frustration when they can’t express themselves

• Changes at home or school

• Anxiety, even if it looks like defiance

For some children, these responses are more frequent or intense due to differences in temperament, neurodiversity, or emotional development.

When to Consider Support from a Child Psychologist

You don’t need to wait for a crisis before seeking help.

It might be time to talk to someone if:

• Outbursts are happening daily or feel unmanageable

• Your child becomes aggressive or very withdrawn after them

• You feel stuck, unsure how to respond

• School or nursery staff have also raised concerns

• It’s impacting family life or relationships

As child psychologists, we don’t just look at the behaviour — we explore what’s underneath it.

How We Help at Little Minds Psychology

At Little Minds Psychology, we believe that supporting parents is one of the most powerful ways to support children. Rather than focusing solely on direct work with your child, we offer relational, parent-led support that helps you feel more confident, connected, and equipped to respond how you'd like to.

• In-depth parent consultations to understand your child’s emotional world

• Tailored strategies that fit your family values and routines

• Support for emotional regulation

• Guidance on strengthening your relationship, even during difficult moments

We create a compassionate, non-judgemental space where you can bring all your questions, worries, and hopes. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

We work with families online and across Manchester — both at our clinic and through school-based consultations.