When children are born, they already have emotional reactions. They can cry in response to frustration, hunger, and pain.
As they grow and learn, they begin to experience other emotions. Your child will experience a whole range of emotions in a single day.
Because of this, it can be difficult for them to understand and process their feelings.
Young children don’t have the words to describe what they want or how they feel. This can be frustrating for them. At times, it can be overwhelming.
When you teach your child to identify their emotions, you can give them the tools to explain how they feel. This makes it easier for them to deal with their emotions in a socially appropriate way.
Sometimes, your child might have a tantrum or an outburst and you can’t work out why. Often, this is an emotional reaction that they haven’t expressed with words. It is important to talk to them once they’re calm to find out why they acted in that way.
It might have come from a fear or worry they have. Feeling anxious is a normal, human response. It means that, in that moment, their brain didn’t feel safe.