The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos cover image

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Big Bird Has Big Feelings

Sep 25, 2023
Big Bird, the iconic 8-foot tall character from Sesame Street, joins therapist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford to discuss navigating the stormy seas of emotions. They explore how to manage feelings of disappointment, using creative tools like the glitter jar for emotional regulation. Big Bird learns that acknowledging all feelings, even the tough ones, is vital for personal growth. They also discuss the role of caregivers in supporting children's emotional health and share fun strategies to help kids express their feelings in healthy ways.
28:41

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Emotional self-regulation is a critical skill that should be taught to children, as it affects their relationships, school performance, and mental health outcomes.
  • Creating an emotional weather coping kit, engaging in gentle exercise, and seeking social support are strategies that can help cope with big emotions.

Deep dives

Understanding the Purpose of Big Emotions

Big feelings like anger, disappointment, and sadness serve as important messages from our brains, signaling that something is wrong or needs attention. Just as pain tells us to move our hand from a hot stove, negative emotional feelings alert us to address unfairness, unmet needs, or overwhelming situations. By acknowledging and exploring these emotions, we can learn important lessons and make positive changes in our lives.

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