25. Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Alyssa Campbell on Supporting Emotional Development in Ages 5 to 12
25. Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Alyssa Campbell on Supporting Emotional Development in Ages 5 to 12  
Podcast: More than Milestones
Published On: Tue Feb 10 2026
Description: Alyssa Campbell joins More than Milestones to dive into one of the most overlooked yet critical stages of child development: ages 5 to 12. With a master’s degree in early childhood education, research experience in emotional development, and as the founder of Seed and Sew and a two-time bestselling author, Alyssa helps parents understand why big emotions in big kids are not something to fix, but information to listen to. We explore how emotional and social development shows up differently in school-aged kids compared to toddlers, why connection is the foundation for everything, and how parents can stay close even as peer influence grows. This conversation offers practical insight for navigating big feelings, conflict, honesty, and tough topics with confidence and compassion.Key Topics CoveredWhy ages 5 to 12 are a critical and often overlooked stage of emotional developmentHow big emotions show up differently in school-aged kids versus toddlersWhy big emotions are not a phase, but important informationThe nine senses and how they influence emotional regulation in kidsHow to identify what triggers your individual child and what they truly needStaying connected as kids start prioritizing peer relationshipsHow to repair after missteps in connection with your childTalking to kids about puberty, sex, drugs, and peer pressure earlier than expectedWhy lying can be developmentally appropriate at this age and how to respondNavigating conflict between kids and knowing when to step in versus step backFollow Alyssa on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/seed.and.sew/Alyssa’s Website: https://www.seedandsew.org/aboutFree Questionnaire: https://regulationroadmap.softr.app/Get Your Copy of Alyssa’s Book Tiny Humans, Big Emotions: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/Tiny-Humans-Big-Emotions-bookGet Your Copy of Alyssa’s Book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: https://links.milestonesandmotherhood.com/amzn/big-kids-bigger-feelings-bookLinks & Resources💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097 Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones