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Learn how to model emotions, label feelings, and use engaging activities to support their emotional development and well-being.
During the toddler stage, expressing feelings, like frustration, sadness, or excitement can be a challenge and this can sometimes lead to big emotions and ‘meltdowns’. Supporting your child in navigating these emotions is key to their emotional development and overall well-being. Here are some practical ways to help your toddler start expressing their feelings and navigate their emotional world.
One of the most effective ways to help your toddler express their feelings is by modelling this behaviour yourself. When you openly express your emotions, you provide a template for your child to follow. For example, you could use phrases like, “I’m so happy because we’re playing together!” or “I’m feeling a little frustrated right now because I spilled my coffee.”. This not only helps your child learn emotional vocabulary but also normalises talking about feelings.
Young children rely on you to help them understand their emotions. By giving their feelings a name, you validate their experience and help them start to make sense of it. For example:
Using phrases like “I wonder” or “you seem” allows you to approach the conversation without mislabelling their emotions. This is important because toddlers may not yet fully understand or communicate their feelings accurately. Discussing heightened emotions can be challenging in the moment. It can be more effective to revisit these situations later when your child is calmer. For example, “Let’s talk about when you spilled the water earlier. What happened, and how did you feel?”
It is important not to shy away from negative emotions. Instead, support your child in understanding and managing these feelings. Teach them that all emotions are valid and that it is ok to feel sad, angry, or frustrated. Provide and model strategies for coping, such as taking deep breaths, hugging a favourite toy, or talking about their feelings. This helps your child learn that while negative emotions are a natural part of life, they can be managed in healthy ways.
Engaging in activities that focus on emotions can be both fun and educational. Here are a few ideas:
By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help your toddler develop a healthy understanding of their emotions. Remember, every step you take in supporting your child’s emotional development is a step towards a more confident and expressive future.
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