Emotions have a physiological, subjective, and expressive/motivational dimension. They are often triggered when issues of concern such as needs, and goals are threatened or fulfilled. Being neglected for a long time in management science as irrational interference, they are now considered an integral part of family business life. The intersection of family, business, and ownership system create a special complexity of emotions in the family business. Each system has their own emotion framing and display rules. Other factors like family ownership logic, socio-emotional wealth, and norms and values create an emotionally charged context. Breaches of psychological contracts and lack of emotion communication give rise to strong emotions and emotional messiness. Emotions can influence strategic business decisions, foster attachment and positive family and family business functions, or energize conflicts. Emotion work and the social sharing of emotions can lead to a healthy emotion climate.