How to help your child with big feelings

A story for each feeling

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  Anger and tantrums

  

  Story created for Zara

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  Feeling shy

  

  Story created for Lucia

Questions parents ask

How do I help a child with big emotions?

Stay calm and kind, keep a steady routine, and once your child has settled, talk about the feeling and what might help next time. Reading stories about feelings together is another way in: the American Academy of Pediatrics says it can help children recognize their own emotions.

What feelings can Tella make a story about?

Any feeling your child is working through. On the create page, "A big feeling" includes feeling worried, big anger, feeling shy, feeling sad, feeling jealous, feeling left out and missing someone, and you can type your own.

When should I get help for my child's feelings?

If a feeling gets in the way of everyday life, talk with your pediatrician. Johns Hopkins suggests it for tantrums that are more severe, last longer and happen several times a day, and the Kids Mental Health Foundation for a child who still isn't doing well after a couple of weeks.

Is there a book or app that makes a story about my child's feelings?

Tella makes a story starring your child instead of a printed book. Pick the feeling or type your own, and the story puts your child, your family and that moment in it. It's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV, and your first story is free.

Is a Tella story a social story?

It can be. A social story is a short story that walks a child through something new or hard before it happens. A Tella story does that with your child as the hero, in pictures and narration.