How to Support Your Child’s Emotional Wellbeing

Have you noticed a change in your child’s behaviour recently?

Every child has an emotional cup, and when it runs low, their behaviour can shift. Supporting children's emotional wellbeing children's emotional wellbeing is essential for helping them feel secure confident and happy.

What Is an Emotional Cup and Why It Matters

Think of your child’s emotional cup as a metaphorical battery. Just like a phone loses charge, a child’s inner system needs care, attention and recharging. When their emotional cup is empty, it can lead to challenging behaviours - but the good news is, it can be refilled.

Signs Your Child’s Emotional Cup May Be Empty

Here are common signs that your child’s emotional cup might be running low:

• Difficulty focusing or concentrating

• Taking from someone else’s emotional resources

• Constantly seeking attention

• Excess energy, restlessness or silliness

• Acting unlike their usual self

• Frequent arguments or battles over small things

Recognising the signs of an empty cup is the first step toward supporting children's emotional wellbeing.

Things That Can Drain a Child’s Emotional Cup

Certain experiences or environments can quickly deplete a child’s emotional cup:

• Shouting or harsh criticism

• Stress or anxiety

• Feeling isolated or lonely

• Punishment or shame

• Repeated failure or frustration

• Doing tasks they dislike

• Fatigue or nervousness

By identifying what drains their emotional cup, you can take steps to prevent these challenges.

Practical Ways to Refill Your Child’s Emotional Cup

Refilling your child’s emotional cup is about showing care, connection, and attention. Here are proven strategies to support children's emotional wellbeing.

Love, Affection, and Attention

Simple acts of love - hugs, kind words and quality time - can refill your child’s cup faster than anything else.

Encouraging Play and Fun Activities

Play is essential for emotional development. It allows children to express themselves, release energy and feel joy.

Praise, Affirmation, and Celebrating Success

Acknowledging achievements, even small ones, boosts confidence and reinforces positive behaviour.

Supporting Interests and Friendships

Helping your child discover and engage in activities they love and fostering friendships, strengthens emotional resilience.

Listening and Showing Genuine Interest

Sometimes, just being heard is enough. Showing that you care about their thoughts and feelings is a powerful way to refill their cup.

Why Children’s Emotional Wellbeing Is Crucial

Prioritising children's emotional wellbeing isn’t just about preventing behaviour challenges - it’s about nurturing confident, resilient and happy kids. By understanding their emotional needs, recognising signs of depletion and actively refilling their emotional cup, you give your child a foundation for lifelong emotional health.

Find more support and videos for children including tapping, breathing exercise and understanding the brain inside The Parent Hub.