Big feelings and behaviour

WellMob  

WellMob brings together online resources made by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. On the site, you will find websites, apps, podcasts, videos, helplines, social media and online programs all with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing.  

Wellmob

ReachOut  

ReachOut is a free service, funded by the Australian Government, designed to support parents of teens. Its website includes guidance on a range of topics such as drugs, bullying, social media, mental health and wellbeing, ADHD and also includes information on how parents can access free, professional support with a trained parenting coach.    

Parenting teens: support & advice | ReachOut Parents 

Anger Is Like Armour

By Shona Innes & Írisz Agócs 

This book helps children understand anger as a feeling that shows up when they are hurt, scared or overwhelmed. Using simple language and gentle illustrations, it supports parents and children to talk about what anger feels like, why it shows up, and how it can be expressed safely. It is especially helpful for opening calm conversations after big emotional moments. It is best suited for children ages 4-8 years.  

I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness 

By Susan Verde & Peter H. Reynolds 

This beautifully illustrated book introduces children to mindfulness in a way that feels comforting and accessible. Parents can expect simple ideas around breathing, noticing feelings, and finding calm when worries or big emotions take over. It is designed to be read slowly, with pauses for reflection and shared discussion. It is best suited for children ages 4-10 years. 

My Calm Me Down Book 

By Trace Moroney  

This practical book supports children to recognise when they are experiencing a “big feelings storm” and offers clear, child‑friendly strategies to help calm their body and mind. Parents will find ideas they can practise alongside their child, such as breathing, movement and sensory activities, making it a useful tool during emotionally intense moments. It is best suited for children ages 4-9 years. 

My Mindful Brain, My Brain Is a Home, My Brain First Aid, My Breath 

By Orlanda Bettison 

The My Brain series helps children understand what is happening in their brain when they experience big emotions. Using simple explanations and friendly characters, these books introduce ideas about how the brain works, why strong feelings show up, and what can help when emotions feel overwhelming. Parents can expect clear, practical strategies that support emotional regulation, mindfulness, and coping skills, making the books especially helpful for shared reading and conversation. 

The series is often valued by parents and educators for children who like to know why they feel the way they do, or who benefit from concrete tools rather than reassurance alone. The series is best suited to children ages 5–12 years, with support and discussion from a trusted adult.

Parental As Anything 

By Maggie Dent

Written by one of Australia’s most trusted parenting voices, Maggie Dent, this book draws together contemporary research, professional experience and real family stories. It supports parents to respond calmly and confidently to children’s and teens’ emotions, with a strong emphasis on connection, co‑regulation and emotional safety rather than control or punishment. 

Best suited to parents of children and teens, particularly those navigating big emotions, anxiety, or behaviour challenges. 

A Parent’s Guide to Self‑Regulation 

By Dr Amber Thornton 

This evidence‑informed book focuses on the role of the parent’s own emotional regulation as the foundation for helping children regulate theirs. It helps parents recognise triggers, break cycles of escalation, and build calmer responses during emotionally charged moments. 

Best suited to parents of children and teens, particularly those feeling overwhelmed by repeated emotional or behavioural challenges. 

What Makes You Stronger 

Dr Louise Hayes, Dr Joseph Ciarrochi & Ann Bailey  

Written by leading Australian psychologists, this book helps parents understand how emotional resilience is built through everyday experiences rather than by avoiding discomfort. Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and decades of research, it supports parents to respond more calmly and effectively when children and teenagers experience big emotions, stress or setbacks. 

Rather than offering quick fixes, the book focuses on helping adults model emotional regulation, flexibility and compassion, recognising that these qualities strongly shape how children learn to manage their own emotions. Parents will find practical, evidence‑based guidance for supporting young people through anxiety, frustration and emotional overwhelm, while also strengthening their own coping skills. 

Parental As Anything– How to help your child manage emotions  

ABC Listen

Throwing a tantrum, being naughty and bawling their eyes out. Kids often react to situations that stress them in a way that’s socially unacceptable. 

A huge part of growing up though is learning how to regulate emotions. So what can parents do to help their kids spot what’s going to tip them over the edge before it happens? 

Parenting expert Maggie Dent finds out from self-regulation expert, Dr Stuart Shanker. 

This podcast episode is most recommended for parents and carers of children navigating big feelings, mood changes or withdrawal. 

How to help your child manage emotions | ABC listen

Happy Families- Managing emotional dysregulation with Dr Justin Coulson  

In this practical and easy‑to‑follow episode, Dr Justin Coulson explains what emotional dysregulation is and why children and teens sometimes react in ways that seem out of proportion to the situation. Using clear neuroscience‑informed explanations, he helps parents understand the difference between behaviour and the emotions underneath it. 

The episode offers simple, realistic strategies parents can use to help children calm their nervous system, build emotional regulation skills and feel supported rather than judged.  

This podcast episode is most recommended for parents and carers of children and teens who experience strong emotional reactions, meltdowns or shutdowns. 

#1038 – Managing Emotional Dysregulation – Happy Families 

Emerging Minds- How is loneliness impacting young people in Australia?  

This episode explores the growing impact of loneliness on children and young people, drawing on Australian research and insights from mental‑health professionals. It helps parents understand how loneliness can show up as mood changes, withdrawal, anxiety or behaviour challenges, particularly during times of transition. Parents are guided to recognise warning signs and consider practical, compassionate ways to support connection, belonging and emotional wellbeing at home and in partnership with schools. 

This podcast episode is most recommended for parents and carers of primary‑aged children and adolescents, especially where social connection or wellbeing is a concern. 

How is loneliness impacting young people in Australia? – Emerging Minds 

Smiling Mind  

Mental fitness doesn’t have to be another thing to add to your to-do list. With the Smiling Mind App, families can use short, age-appropriate sessions to navigate busy mornings, transitions after school, or bedtime routines.  

Try practising mental fitness in everyday family moments: 

• In the morning, to enhance focus and calm 

• On the go, to make travel a mindful and enjoyable experience 

• After the school day, to unwind and relax 

• At meal times, to create a calm dinner table environment 

• Before bed, to fall asleep—and stay asleep  

• During weekends, to foster family connection and boost everyone’s mood  

Every session is designed to help kids establish new habits and foster positive mental wellbeing and resilience.  

Smiling Mind App for Families | Smiling Mind 

Parent Line NSW 

Parent Line NSW is a free and confidential telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children, aged 0 to 18 years. A team of trained and professional counsellors are available 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday and 4pm to 9pm on weekends to assist with guidance whether you are caring for a baby, child or teenager. Call 1300 1300 52 or visit their website for more information.  

Free Telephone counselling | Parent Line NSW