Big sister guides little sister through big emotions with a pep talk—pure love in action

Tiktok/@itslaurenreed

She reassures Clementine that she doesn’t have to change her mind, but she does need to communicate kindly.

By Amanda Jennings Updated Mar. 11, 2025

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A recent viral TikTok video, posted by @itslaurenreed has struck a deep emotional chord with parents, racking up over 7.6 million views and counting. The heartwarming clip captures a moment between two young sisters, Maisie and Clementine, as they navigate a small but meaningful conflict—all on their own.

Maisie, feeling proud after independently putting away her blocks, became frustrated when her younger sister, Clementine, tried to help. In the heat of the moment, Maisie loudly told Clementine she didn’t want assistance, which left both girls upset. But instead of escalating, something remarkable happened: they talked it through.

In the video, Maisie, with wisdom far beyond her years, calmly explains to her younger sister how to express her feelings without frustration. She reassures Clementine that she doesn’t have to change her mind, but she does need to communicate kindly. The two share a moment of understanding, and Maisie even offers a gentle breathing exercise to help her little sister calm down—an incredible display of emotional intelligence at such a young age.

Watch the full clip here:

@itslaurenreed You guys… I know this is a little long, but the way they talked this through 🥹🥹 Backstory- Maisie was putting away her blocks and was feeling proud of herself for doing it on her own, and Clementine came to help her, but Maisie wanted to do it on her own. So Maisie loudly told her she didn’t want her to do that and then both girls got sad. BUT then they talked it through on their own 🥹🥹 These two are the absolute sweetest #sweetmoments #gentleparenting #sweetkids #girlmom #sosweet #myheart ♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

The power of gentle parenting in action

Beyond the viral appeal, this video is a beautiful example of how responsive parenting shapes emotional intelligence in children. The ability to recognize emotions, communicate needs, and regulate feelings doesn’t happen by accident—it’s modeled by caregivers and reinforced through daily interactions.

Studies on secure attachment and emotional regulation show that children who experience consistent, compassionate guidance develop stronger coping skills and healthier relationships. According to research on responsive parenting, these types of interactions build trust, lower stress levels, and encourage problem-solving skills—all of which were on display in Maisie and Clementine’s exchange.

And science backs it up: the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” strengthens emotional bonds, reducing stress and reinforcing positive social behavior. Every moment of comfort, guidance, and validation contributes to a child’s emotional resilience.

Small moments that make a big impact

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily challenges of parenting—sleepless nights, endless laundry, tantrums at the grocery store. But it’s often in the small, quiet moments that we find the greatest joy. Here’s how these everyday interactions benefit both you and your child:

A baby’s first smile: Research shows that smiling triggers positive brain development in infants, helping to build early social skills.
The sound of your child’s laughter: Studies suggest that laughter strengthens social bonds and supports cognitive development.
Hugging your child: Physical touch not only provides comfort but also regulates a child’s stress levels and strengthens emotional security.

Finding joy in the journey

Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. As this viral moment between two sisters shows, the way we support, guide, and reassure our children in their small struggles has an enormous impact.

So the next time your child faces a tough moment, take a breath and meet them with patience. Because these everyday lessons in kindness, communication, and emotional regulation will shape them for a lifetime.

Have you had a moment recently where you realized just how worth it parenting really is? Share your story in the comments below!