Emotions are a fundamental aspect of human experience. Happiness, sadness, fear, anger, and more complex ones like confusion and anxiety—they all matter. Emotions add meaning to life.
Should I teach my child to identify and name their emotions?
I often get asked this question. While naming emotions is an important skill, not all parents actively teach it.
Misconceptions about emotions may lead parents to believe that discussing them might make a child overly sensitive. Busy schedules can also be a reason. Moreover, some may simply not know how to approach the topic with their child.
Why Emotional Literacy Needs To Be Nurtured From a Young Age
The American Psychological Association states that although infants may not understand language yet, they are highly attuned to facial expressions, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues that communicate emotions.
The earlier children are exposed to discussions about feelings and emotions, the better they’re able to handle challenges. As they recognize their own emotions, they can do the same for others—which helps them form healthy relationships.
The concept of “Name It to Tame It” was introduced by Dr. Dan Siegel, author of the Whole Brain Child, to describe how labeling emotions can help our brain calm down.
5 Tips to Incorporate Identifying and Labeling Emotions Into Your Child’s Daily Routines
Yes, teaching emotions doesn’t have to be a formal lesson! You can do this by:
Showing your child (modeling) how to express different emotions in healthy ways.
Reading books or discussing real-life situations to build a connection between certain events and the emotions they cause.
Remember that just because a child already knows how to name and manage a big emotion, doesn’t mean their emotional growth is complete. It is a lifelong process.
*This article was originally published in our email newsletter on September 3, 2024.
