Understanding the Amygdala: How Children’s Brains Respond to Emotion

The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that plays a key role in emotion processing, threat detection, and memory formation. It acts as the brain’s alarm system, helping children respond to danger or stress - but sometimes it can overreact, making it hard for them to focus, regulate emotions, or engage in learning.

Understanding the amygdala helps parents, teachers, and therapists teach children strategies to manage emotions and strengthen brain function.

The Amygdala and the Brain

✴️ Emotional responses: The amygdala triggers fear, anxiety, excitement, and joy

✴️ Memory and learning: Emotional experiences are stored more strongly, influencing behaviour and decision-making

✴️ Connection to executive function: When the amygdala is highly activated, the prefrontal cortex (responsible for planning, self-regulation, and problem-solving) can become less effective

How Overactive Amygdala Affects Children

⭕ Sudden emotional outbursts

⭕ Difficulty calming down after stress

⭕ Avoidance of challenging tasks

⭕ Trouble focusing in school or social situations

Brain-Based Strategies to Support Children

💮 Deep Breathing and Mindfulness

Teach children to take slow, deep breaths to calm the amygdala and strengthen prefrontal cortex control.

💮 Movement and Sensory Breaks

Physical activity helps regulate emotions by sending calming signals to the brain.

💮 Naming Emotions

Encourage children to label how they feel (such as “I feel angry” or “I feel worried"). This activates brain areas that help manage emotions.

💮 Safe Spaces and Predictable Routines

Reducing uncertainty lowers amygdala activation, allowing children to engage in learning and social interactions more effectively.

💮 Problem-Solving and Reflection

After a stressful event, guide children to reflect on what happened and brainstorm solutions, building prefrontal cortex skills.

The Brain Behind the Behaviour

Supporting children’s emotional regulation isn’t just about managing behaviour - it’s about strengthening their brain. Helping children calm the amygdala builds stronger connections to the prefrontal cortex, improving executive function, focus, and resilience. Over time, these strategies support learning, social skills, and overall emotional wellbeing.