Mindful Moments: Simple Tips for Teaching Toddlers about Emotions and Patience

As any parent knows, toddlers experience emotions with an intensity that can sometimes feel overwhelming — both for them and for us. Teaching mindfulness to young children doesn’t require long meditation sessions or advanced practices. It begins with small, intentional moments of awareness that help toddlers identify their emotions and learn how to respond with patience.

Here are some gentle, practical mindfulness tips for parents to use with toddlers to foster emotional understanding and self-regulation:

1. Name the Feeling

When your toddler is having a big emotion, help them label it:
- “You’re feeling sad because your toy broke.”
- “It looks like you’re really frustrated waiting your turn.”

Why it works: This may feel uncomfortable or even unnatural to speak in this way; particularly when your toddler is in the thick of a big emotion. However, naming emotions helps toddlers understand what they’re experiencing and shows them that feelings are normal and manageable. It really works and your toddler begins to trust that you are a safe adult and can contain and manage their emotions.

 

2. Breathe Together

Turn deep breaths into a game:
 “Let’s blow up a big balloon with our breath.”
 “Can you breathe like a dragon — slow and strong?”

Why it works: Breathing calms the nervous system and introduces toddlers to a basic, accessible mindfulness technique. This is a great distraction technique and helps both parent and toddler compose themselves.

 

3. Create a Calm-Down Space

Designate a cozy corner with soft pillows, a favourite (soft) toy, calm music and a book.

Why it works: Having a go-to space teaches toddlers it’s okay to step away and reset when emotions feel too big. This can be very effective when dealing with toddlers who regularly struggle with big emotions. This also works for the grown ups to. Where safe to do so, walking away to take a few moments to compose yourself also allows you to be a role model for your little one.

 

4. Practice Waiting in Play

Use activities that build waiting skills, like taking turns with blocks, playing board games, or baking together:
 “Now it’s your turn to stir. Let’s count to ten before we switch!”

Why it works: Waiting in low-stakes, fun settings builds the foundation for patience in daily life.

 

5. Model Mindfulness Out Loud

Narrate your own emotional awareness and coping:
“I’m feeling a little stressed, so I’m going to take a deep breath.”

“I’m waiting in line too — it’s hard, but I’m being patient.”

Why it works: Toddlers learn by imitation. Showing them how you handle emotions gives them tools to do the same.

 

6. Use Stories and Visual Aids

Read books about feelings or use emotion cards to talk about different faces and what they might be feeling.

Why it works: Stories and images make abstract concepts like emotions more concrete and relatable for little ones. It can also reduce the stigma around more negative emotions.

 

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge when your child practices patience or uses a mindfulness skill:
“You waited so nicely while I finished my call — that was very patient!”

Why it works: Positive reinforcement encourages repetition and builds confidence in their ability to manage emotions.

 

Final Thoughts

Teaching toddlers’ mindfulness isn't about perfection and sometimes you may need to allow the emotion to run its’ course. However, it's about planting seeds of awareness, patience, and empathy in everyday moments. With consistency, it can become routine, and your child will begin to develop the emotional vocabulary and coping skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Ultimately, mindfulness with your toddler develops their self-confidence, helps them to manage stress and manage life’s challenges more effectively.

Written by Adele Palmer