Tiny Takes, Big Feelings

Samantha Cieslinski, WIllow Cieslinski
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Parenting

What happens when you ask a 5-year-old to explain life? Tiny Takes, Big Feelings is a short-form podcast where real conversations with my daughter turn into surprisingly honest, funny, and sometimes eye-opening moments about how kids see the world. Each episode is under 15 minutes and starts with her unfiltered take—on things like stress, rules, love, friendship, and what moms actually do all day—followed by a quick, real-life reflection from me as a mom trying to figure it out alongside her. It’s not scripted. It’s not perfect. It’s just real conversations that make you laugh, think, and maybe see your own kids a little differently. If you’ve ever wondered what your child is really thinking… this is it. 🎙️ New episodes weekly 👉 Follow for more Tiny Takes, Big Feelings

Episodes

  1. Jun 28

    Summer Bucket Lists, Mom Guilt & Making Memories

    Summer Bucket Lists, Mom Guilt & Making MemoriesPinterest makes summer look magical. Reality looks a little different. In this episode of Tiny Takes, Big Feelings, Samantha sits down with five-year-old Willow to chat through their family's actual 2026 summer bucket list—from beach sunrises and backyard movie nights to Disneyland, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, paddleboarding, and simple neighborhood ice cream nights. But this episode isn't really about checking boxes. It's about letting go of the pressure to create the "perfect" summer and remembering that kids often treasure the smallest moments the most. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough as a parent during summer break, this conversation is your reminder to breathe, lower the expectations, and simply enjoy your family. Because sometimes the best summer memory is just melted popsicles and sandy pajamas. In This Episode☀️ Why moms become the unofficial "Summer Activity CEO" 🏖️ Our real 2026 family summer bucket list 🌅 Beach sunrises in pajamas 🏕️ Backyard camping vs. living room sleepovers 🎬 Backyard movie night ideas 🏌️ Mini golf, paddleboarding, fireworks and Yes Day 🏰 Our upcoming Disneyland adventure ❤️ Why making memories matters more than finishing the checklist Mentioned in This EpisodeDisneylandLake TahoeYosemite National ParkAvalon, NJSea Isle CityBackyard movie nightsFamily Yes DaysSummer bucket listsBeach sunrisesPaddleboardingDelaware River tubingShady Brook Farm fireworksConnect With SamanthaFollow along for more realistic motherhood, parenting conversations, and family adventures. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningwinemom_ Podcast: https://therunningwinemom.com If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who needs permission to stop chasing the perfect summer. summer bucket list, family summer bucket list, summer activities for kids, realistic motherhood, parenting podcast, mom guilt, family traditions, summer memories, beach vacation with kids, backyard movie night, yes day ideas, family travel, Disneyland with kids, Lake Tahoe family vacation, Yosemite with kids, family adventures, parenting conversations, motherhood podcast, simple family fun, Tiny Takes Big Feelings

  2. Jun 11

    Teaching Kids About Joy: How to Raise Happier, More Resilient Children | Tiny Takes, Big Feelings

    Teaching Kids About Joy: How to Raise Happier, More Resilient ChildrenWhat does joy actually feel like for a child? In this heartwarming episode of Tiny Takes, Big Feelings, Samantha and her daughter Willow explore one of the most important emotions kids can experience: joy. From warm hugs and favorite songs to surprise marshmallows and cozy pajamas, Willow shares what joy looks like through a child's eyes while Samantha breaks down the science behind why joyful moments matter for emotional well-being. Parents will learn the difference between happiness and joy, why children naturally find magic in everyday moments, and how filling a child's emotional "bucket" can build resilience, connection, and emotional health. If you've ever wondered how to help your child experience more joy—or how to reconnect with your own—this episode is for you. In This Episode✨ What joy means to a 5-year-old ✨ The difference between happiness and joy ✨ How joy affects a child's brain and nervous system ✨ Why kids find joy in ordinary moments adults often overlook ✨ The "bucket filling" concept and emotional reserves ✨ Simple ways families can create more joyful moments together ✨ Willow's favorite things this week ✨ A powerful reminder for parents to slow down and notice the magic Key TakeawaysJoy can be loud and exciting or quiet and comforting.Children's brains release feel-good chemicals during joyful experiences.Joy helps reduce stress and supports emotional regulation.Kids naturally find wonder in small moments.Parents model joy for their children more than they realize.Small acts of kindness help fill another person's emotional bucket.Resources MentionedLearn More About Emotional DevelopmentChild Mind InstituteHarvard Center on the Developing ChildConnect with Samantha🌐 The Running Wine Mom 📸 Instagram @therunningwinemom_ Subscribe & ReviewIf this episode filled your bucket, brought a smile to your face, or reminded you to slow down and find joy in the everyday, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another parent. joy for kids, emotional development, parenting podcast, kids emotions, emotional intelligence, raising happy kids, child development, joy and happiness, emotional regulation, parenting tips, family connection, positive parenting, bucket filling, feelings for kids, social emotional learning, SEL, parenting advice, child psychology, mom podcast, Tiny Takes Big Feelings

  3. May 20

    How to Handle Grumpy Kids Without Power Struggles | Tiny Takes, Big Feelings

    Why do kids get SO grumpy over the tiniest things? Scratchy socks. The wrong cup. Being told to hurry up. A broken granola bar. In this episode of Tiny Takes, Big Feelings, Samantha and her 5.5-year-old co-host Willow dive into the surprisingly real science behind grumpy moods — and why being “grumpy” is usually about overwhelm, hunger, exhaustion, or sensory overload… not just “bad behavior.” Together, they talk about: Why kids melt down over “small” thingsWhat grumpy feelings actually feel like inside a child’s brainWhy “calm down” never worksSigns your child is emotionally overloadedThe connection between hunger and emotions (“hangry” is VERY real)What parents should avoid saying during grumpy momentsEasy co-regulation tools that actually helpWhy adults get grumpy tooWillow also shares her Toy of the Week favorites, including her Spidey friends, a Wicked book, and Cinderella. This episode is funny, honest, and incredibly relatable for parents trying to survive big emotions — including their own. grumpy kids podcast, emotional regulation for kids, parenting podcast, child emotions, toddler emotions, parenting big feelings, how to help grumpy kids, sensory overload kids, co regulation parenting, gentle parenting podcast, motherhood podcast, parenting humor, emotional intelligence for kids, Tiny Takes Big Feelings, Samantha Cieslinski

  4. May 13

    Why Kids Get So Excited | Parenting Big Emotions in Children

    What does excitement actually feel like for kids? In this episode of Tiny Takes, Big Feelings, Samantha and 5-year-old Willow dive into the BIG feeling of excitement — from birthday countdowns and Disney rides to excitement crashes, “loud tired,” and why waiting feels impossible for little kids. Willow shares the most excited she’s ever been (her birthday nail salon party), why anticipation “hurts your brain,” and how excitement can sometimes turn into frustration, crying, or roller coaster tummy flips. Samantha also talks about: why excitement is more than happinessthe science behind anticipation and overstimulationwhy kids ask “is it time yet?” 500 timespost-party and post-Disney emotional crasheshow parents can help kids regulate BIG positive emotionsPlus: Willow shares her favorite things this weekthe viral-worthy concept of being “loud tired”NeeDoh sensory toysGabby’s Dollhouse excitementDisney excitement chaosWillow’s Tiny Take of the Week for parentsThis episode is funny, honest, chaotic, and deeply relatable for parents navigating emotional regulation with young kids. Links Mentioned in This EpisodeFeatured Toy This WeekNeeDoh Sensory ToysShows & Things MentionedGabby’s Dollhouse Live & MoviesWalt Disney WorldSeven Dwarfs Mine TrainTiana’s Bayou Adventure kids emotions, emotional regulation for kids, parenting podcast, excitement in children, kids excitement meltdown, parenting big feelings, emotional development, overstimulation in kids, anticipation in children, parenting tips, motherhood podcast, mom podcast, raising emotionally healthy kids, Disney with kids, loud tired kids, tiny takes big feelings, sensory toys for kids, NeeDoh toy, preschool emotions, kindergarten emotions

  5. May 5

    How to Help Kids with Nervous Feelings (Without Saying “You’re Fine”)

    What does “nervous” actually feel like for kids—and what are they really trying to tell us? In this episode of Tiny Takes, Big Feelings, Samantha and her daughter Willow talk through one of the most common childhood emotions: nervousness. From first-day-of-school worries to swim class fears and telling the truth after doing something wrong, this conversation breaks down what nervous feelings look like in a child’s body—and how parents can respond in a way that builds confidence instead of shutting emotions down. You’ll hear real, unfiltered kid responses (including some hilarious moments), plus simple tools your child can actually use in the moment. What You’ll Learn:What nervousness feels like in a child’s bodyWhy kids often say “I’m scared” when they mean something deeperHow to respond without dismissing the feeling3 simple tools kids can use when they feel nervousHow to help your child reframe fear into braveryKey Moments:Talking about nervous feelings before school, swim, and new experiences“I thought my teacher would be mean…” → what actually happenedWhy kids feel nervous telling parents the truthThe shift: nervous doesn’t mean stopWillow’s advice to other kids: “Hug them”Simple Tools for Kids:“Smell the flower, blow out the candle” breathingHolding a trusted adult’s handReplacing “I can’t” with “I can try”Parent Takeaway:Nervous isn’t something to fix—it’s something to understand. It usually means your child is about to do something that matters to them. Call to Action:If you’re listening with your child, pause and ask: 👉 “Where do you feel nervous in your body?” And don’t forget to follow Tiny Takes, Big Feelings for weekly real conversations that help kids understand their emotions—and help you respond in a way that actually works. kids emotions, nervous child, helping kids with anxiety, parenting tips emotional regulation, how to help kids with fear, kids mental health, emotional regulation for kids, parenting podcast moms, feelings for kids explained, childhood anxiety help, gentle parenting tools, mindful parenting, parenting podcast for moms, kids feelings podcast, emotional development children

  6. Apr 26

    Tiny Takes, Big Feelings: Teaching Kids Pride (Without Pressure)

    Being a kid is a big job — and helping them navigate big feelings? Even bigger. In the very first episode of Tiny Takes, Big Feelings, Samantha sits down with her 5-year-old daughter, Willow, for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it means to feel proud. This isn’t about trophies, perfection, or doing things “the best.” It’s about effort, progress, and helping kids recognize their own growth. Inside this episode, you’ll hear: A simple way to help kids identify emotions in their bodyHow to shift from results-based praise → effort-based confidenceA powerful parenting reframe using the word “yet”A “tiny proud speech” your kids can use dailyA real-life moment: training for a first run (with tears… and growth)This is the kind of conversation you can play in the car, at pickup, or before dinner — and actually use. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Why “proud” should be tied to progress, not perfectionHow to build confidence through small, repeatable languageQuestions that get kids talking (without forcing it)How to model emotional awareness in everyday moments💬 Try This at Home: At dinner tonight, ask: “What’s one thing you’re proud of today?” Then model it yourself. 📲 Connect + Share Your Wins: Tell us your child’s “proud moment” this week: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningwinemom_/ 🎧 Listen to More: Explore more conversations on parenting, mindset, and real life: 👉 The Running Wine Mom Podcast mindful parenting, teaching kids confidence, how to build confidence in kids, parenting tips emotional development, kids emotions podcast, parenting podcast moms, raising confident kids, growth mindset kids, how to teach resilience children, mom podcast real talk, parenting young children mindset, emotional intelligence kids

  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What happens when you ask a 5-year-old to explain life? Tiny Takes, Big Feelings is a short-form podcast where real conversations with my daughter turn into surprisingly honest, funny, and sometimes eye-opening moments about how kids see the world. Each episode is under 15 minutes and starts with her unfiltered take—on things like stress, rules, love, friendship, and what moms actually do all day—followed by a quick, real-life reflection from me as a mom trying to figure it out alongside her. It’s not scripted. It’s not perfect. It’s just real conversations that make you laugh, think, and maybe see your own kids a little differently. If you’ve ever wondered what your child is really thinking… this is it. 🎙️ New episodes weekly 👉 Follow for more Tiny Takes, Big Feelings

Information

  • Creator
    Samantha Cieslinski, WIllow Cieslinski
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Samantha Cieslinski, WIllow Cieslinski