Social & Emotional Development

Don't Fear the Feelings! Helping Young Children Express and Manage Their Emotions

As early as 6 months, babies experiences complex emotions like grief, anger and fear. By 2 children have a full range of emotions including disappointment, anxiety, and shame. Feelings are not the problem, it is how children (and we!) act on these emotions that can be problematic (hitting when angry) or productive (using words). Trying to talk kids out of their feelings, going right to reassurance, or minimizing them doesn't make them go away, it just means they have to get expressed in other, often less acceptable and healthy ways. So don't fear the feelings! One of the greatest gifts you give your child is helping him understand, accept and effectively express his feelings. Read on to learn ways to build your child's emotional intelligence which will serve him well into the long-term.