Sharing Feelings

Materials You Need: None    

What You Can Do Together: At this age, your child is showing many more emotions. Every day, you may see your child express excitement, sadness, fear or worry, etc. During these times, you can notice and name what he seems to be feeling: “You look so happy. I think you are excited to be going to visit Grandmother.” Or, “I see that you are upset that we cannot play outside today. Let’s find something to play indoors until the rain stops.” Your child may notice others’ feelings. You can help your child even if he does not name the feeling: “Yes, you see that your brother is very sad. He is crying. Can you help him feel better?”

What Your Child is Learning: When you notice, accept, and talk about your child’s feelings, he will begin to understand and express them more fully. Emotional development is an important task at this age. Empathy for others is part of this, too. By helping your child notice and have concern for others’ feelings, you are helping your child become a caring person.