Kind Mind Challenge - Week 3 "Emotion Storms"

11/20/2025

By Ms. Kirsten Bowles, Junior School Counsellor

It’s Week 3 of the Kind Mind Challenge, an initiative of the Kelty Foundation at Children's Hospital that complements our CARE curriculum. This week’s topic is called “Emotion Storms.” Children and their parents are challenged to recall times when their emotions have grown to the point of overwhelm. Like storms, big emotions can be loud, chaotic and unsettling. They move through us, eventually diminishing and passing altogether.

Why is it helpful to develop our awareness of how we experience big emotions?

1. It helps us understand what’s happening inside our bodies and minds.
Big emotions—like anger, fear, sadness, or excitement—create physical changes (racing heart, tight muscles, fast breathing). When we notice these signals, we can recognize “I’m having a big feeling” instead of feeling confused or out of control.

2. It creates space between the feeling and the reaction.
Awareness helps us pause, which reduces impulsive reactions (yelling, shutting down, running away) and increases the chances of responding calmly.

3. It builds emotional regulation skills.
When we can name and recognize emotions, the brain becomes better at managing them over time, as the brain develops. This is especially important for children, who are still developing these skills.

How this supports children

Gives them language for their inner world. Naming emotions (“My tummy feels tight—I think I’m nervous”) helps children understand and communicate what they need.
Reduces shame or confusion. Kids learn that big feelings are normal, not “bad behaviour.”
Helps them recover more quickly. Awareness allows them to use coping strategies—breathing, seeking help, taking space.
Builds confidence. Understanding their own emotions helps them feel more capable and secure.

How this supports parents

Improves empathy and connection. When parents recognise the signs of big emotions, both in themselves and their child, they can respond with understanding instead of frustration.
Reduces escalation. Awareness helps parents stay calm, which helps children calm down faster too.
Helps parents model healthy coping. Children learn emotional skills primarily by watching adults. A parent naming their feelings (“I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a deep breath”) teaches a powerful lesson.
Strengthens communication and trust. Children feel safer coming to a parent who responds to emotions with curiosity rather than criticism.

Back

Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.