Parenting is full of love — but also full of challenges. Before having children, no one tells you about the sleepless nights filled with non-stop crying, or the mornings when your child decides their porridge belongs on their head. They don’t warn you about the meltdowns in shopping malls that involve kicking, screaming, and stubborn resistance all the way to the car.
Once babies grow into toddlers, parenting changes. The baby stage’s sweetness gives way to a new set of complexities, often catching parents off guard.
Parenting expert Gen Muir offers support and solutions in her book Little People, Big Feelings. It’s a relatable, practical guide for parents dealing with tantrums, big emotions, and toddler drama. Her writing feels like having a friend in the trenches with you — complete with personal anecdotes, humor, and honest reflections.
The book covers everything from setting boundaries and fostering resilience to managing meltdowns. Even the dedication — “This book is dedicated to Owen, Liam, Tom, and Harry for being the most patient and loving teachers as I worked out how to be your mum” — captures the deep emotional heart of parenting.
Chapters like “My child won’t listen!”, “How to make ‘no’ mean ‘no’”, and “Meltdowns and tantrums” provide step-by-step strategies that are both realistic and compassionate.
From Muir’s insights, I began applying these techniques with my own three-and-a-half-year-old:
- Recognize that kids can’t multitask — adjust communication to match their focus.
- Use touch and empathy to connect before giving instructions.
- Engage with humor, creativity, and play to encourage cooperation.
- Build a strong connection first, then enforce boundaries.
- Use the “first… then…” approach to help guide transitions.
One day, I used these methods to stop an impending tantrum. With two simple words and a playful redirection, my son shifted focus, and the meltdown never happened.
Not every situation can be diffused so easily, but having these tools gives parents a sense of control and confidence. When a toddler’s big feelings start to boil over, sometimes all it takes is connection, empathy, and — yes — just two well-chosen words.
