Helping Neurodivergent Kids Manage Big Emotions in the Homeschool

As parents—especially when raising neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional learners—we are on the frontlines of navigating intense emotions every day. In the latest episode of the podcast, we dive deep into practical strategies for supporting kids’ emotional health and building regulation skills that last a lifetime.

Key Takeaways:

• Connection Over Correction: Before jumping into discipline, prioritize building strong, trust-based connections with your kids. A safe and validating environment empowers children to openly share feelings and seek help when things get tough.
• Normalize Emotions—For Kids and Adults: Regularly talk about emotions in your home, openly share your feelings (the ups and the downs!), and model healthy regulation techniques like deep breathing or taking breaks. Kids learn through what we do, not just what we say.
• Use Tools and Creative Outlets: Create “calm down” spaces, use feelings charts or check-ins, and encourage creative activities—like doodling or building with Legos—as healthy ways for kids to process and express big feelings.

Progress in emotional regulation isn’t linear—it’s all about small wins and ongoing growth for both our kids and ourselves. If you’re supporting kids who feel big, intense emotions, know that you aren’t alone, and the work you’re doing is foundational for lifelong success.

Need more resources and encouragement?

There are so many tools, from printable feeling charts to recommended books and calming activities, available online. Check out booklists for emotional intensity, anxiety, and anger in kids; explore the “zones of regulation”; and, most importantly, find a likeminded community for support. Your family isn’t alone, and together, we can raise lifelong learners—and emotionally healthy humans—one regulated breath at a time.

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

 

Get the Book

For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

 

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Building Social-Emotional Skills While Helping Others
• The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse Children
• Anxiety In Children: Physical, Emotional, and Behavioral Symptoms
• The Power Of Reading For Gifted Children: Advanced Readers And Social Emotional Learning
• A Parent’s Guide To Emotional Overexcitabilities In Gifted Children
• Emotional Overexcitability And Gifted Kids (what you need to know)
• Supporting The Social and Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Twice-Exceptional Kids
• RLL #93: 7 Tips and Strategies for Boosting Emotional Resilience in Your Kids
• RLL #89: Helping Our Gifted Kids With Social and Emotional Struggles
• RLL #88: Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids with Jim Delisle
• Add Emotional Education to Your Homeschool
• Games to Help Improve Your Kid’s Emotional Intelligence
• Help Your Intense Child Regulate Emotions Easily
• What is Emotional Intelligence?
• Navigating Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids
• Helping Kids Understand Their Emotions

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on  Twitter @ColleenKessler,  Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners,  Instagram @ColleenKessler