Helping Kids Navigate Emotions with Faith

St. Matthew's Blog
2 days ago
3 min read

Seasons of transition, like the start of a new year, often bring big emotions for children and parents alike. What surprises many families is how strong those emotions can feel, even when life looks steady on the surface.

Mother and daughter sitting by the fire. Helping kids navigate emotions with faith.

Big Feelings Are Normal

Big feelings are a normal response to change. Research from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence shows that when children can name their feelings, those feelings often become easier to manage.

Psychologist Lisa Damour, who writes extensively for parents, reminds us that strong emotions are part of healthy development, especially during times of transition. They do not mean a child is failing or falling behind. Often, they indicate a child is processing something new.

Faith gives us permission to slow down and notice, rather than rush to correct.

Faith Meets Us in Big Feelings

Scripture never asks people to hide their emotions from God.

Jesus weeps. The Psalms speak openly about fear, joy, anger, and grief. Even the disciples struggle with confusion and overwhelm.

Faith does not remove big feelings. It reminds us that God is present in them.

In our January 2026 sermon series, Finding Your Light, we are reflecting on how Christ’s light meets us not after darkness passes, but right in the middle of it. That is true for children, too.

A Few Gentle Practices Parents Can Try

No big plans. No perfect system. Just small moments.

1. Name the feeling

Try simple language like:

“It looks like you’re feeling really frustrated.”
“That felt disappointing.”

Naming emotions helps children feel seen and can calm the nervous system for kids and adults alike.

2. Normalize without minimizing

Instead of saying “You’re fine,” try:

“That makes sense.”
“Big feelings happen to everyone.”

This builds trust, even when behavior still needs guidance.

3. Invite God into the moment

A short prayer can be enough:

“God, thank you for being with us when things feel hard.”
“Help us feel your love right now.”

Faith does not need to be complicated to be meaningful.

Two moms talking over coffee. You Don't have to navigate parenting alone.

You Do Not Have to Do This Alone

Parenting can feel isolating, especially during seasons of change. Many families are navigating the same things right now: tired mornings, big emotions, and the daily work of showing up with patience and care.

One of the quiet gifts of being part of a church community is realizing that you are not the only one figuring this out as you go.

Those connections often happen in small, ordinary ways. Over coffee after church. In conversations between parents. Sometimes through groups that meet regularly, like our women’s coffee mixer or men’s group. Always through the shared understanding that faith and family life are lived out imperfectly, together.

Whether you are new, have been here for years, or are somewhere in between, you are welcome here. There is space for questions, uncertainty, and real life.

Walking Together Into the New Year

January does not need to be about fixing, catching up, or doing more. Sometimes it is about noticing what is already there: big feelings, small moments, and God’s steady presence.

If you are looking for a place where your child is welcomed, your questions are honored, and your family can grow in faith together, we invite you to join us on Sunday. Stay for coffee hour and connect with other parents who are walking a similar path.

You do not have to have it all figured out. You belong here.