How to Teach Young Children About Expressing Emotions in a Healthy Way

Helping young children understand and express their emotions in a healthy way is essential for their social and emotional development. When children learn to recognize and communicate their feelings effectively, they develop emotional intelligence, build stronger relationships, and handle challenges with confidence. Parents can support this growth through role-modeling, conversations, and engaging activities. In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to teach children how to express their emotions in a positive and constructive manner.

Why Teaching Emotional Expression is Important

• Encourages emotional intelligence – Helps children recognize and manage their feelings.
• Improves communication skills – Teaches kids how to express emotions with words instead of actions.
• Strengthens relationships – Fosters understanding and connection with others.
• Reduces frustration and tantrums – Provides children with better coping strategies.
• Prepares for social and school success – Helps children navigate friendships and group settings.

1. Teach Children to Name Their Emotions

Helping kids identify their feelings is the first step in learning how to express them.

Activity Idea:

• Use emotion flashcards with pictures of different facial expressions.
• Ask, “How are you feeling right now?” and encourage them to describe their emotions.
• Read books about emotions and discuss how characters feel in different situations.

What Kids Learn:

• The vocabulary to express their emotions
• That all feelings are normal and okay
• How to recognize emotions in themselves and others

2. Model Healthy Emotional Expression

Children learn how to express emotions by watching how adults handle their own feelings.

Activity Idea:

• Say, “I feel frustrated right now, so I’m going to take a deep breath.”
• Show that it’s okay to feel sad, happy, or angry, but express it in a calm way.
• Talk about your emotions in everyday situations: “I felt happy when you gave me a hug!”

What Kids Learn:

• That expressing emotions is normal and healthy
• How to communicate feelings in a positive way
• That adults also experience and manage emotions

3. Encourage Talking About Feelings

Creating an open environment where children feel safe to share emotions is important.

Activity Idea:

• At the end of the day, ask, “What made you happy today? What made you sad?”
• Encourage children to draw their emotions if they struggle with words.
• Teach them to say, “I feel…” instead of acting out their emotions physically.

What Kids Learn:

• The importance of talking about emotions
• That sharing feelings helps with understanding and support
• How to communicate emotions without frustration

4. Teach Healthy Ways to Cope with Big Emotions

Helping children find constructive ways to deal with strong emotions prevents outbursts.

Activity Idea:

• Introduce deep breathing exercises: “Breathe in like smelling a flower, breathe out like blowing out a candle.”
• Set up a calm-down corner with pillows, books, and sensory toys.
• Encourage physical activities, like jumping or stretching, to release frustration.

What Kids Learn:

• How to self-regulate emotions
• Healthy alternatives to tantrums and yelling
• The importance of taking a break when overwhelmed

5. Use Books and Stories to Discuss Feelings

Books help children relate to characters who experience and express emotions.

Activity Idea:

• Read books like The Color Monster or When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry.
• Pause and ask, “How do you think the character is feeling?”
• Encourage children to connect the story to their own emotions.

What Kids Learn:

• How to understand emotions through storytelling
• That everyone experiences feelings differently
• Ways to manage emotions in a positive way

6. Encourage Problem-Solving for Emotional Challenges

Teaching children to find solutions when they feel upset helps them develop emotional resilience.

Activity Idea:

• If they feel frustrated, ask, “What could help you feel better right now?”
• Role-play situations where they practice solving emotional challenges.
• Help them brainstorm ways to handle disappointment, like taking a deep breath or asking for help.

What Kids Learn:

• How to manage emotions with thoughtful responses
• The importance of problem-solving in emotional situations
• That they have control over how they react to feelings

7. Praise Positive Emotional Expression

Recognizing and reinforcing healthy emotional expression encourages children to keep practicing.

Activity Idea:

• Say, “I love how you used your words to tell me you were upset instead of yelling.”
• Keep a feelings chart where children can mark their emotions each day.
• Encourage reflection by asking, “How did talking about your feelings help you today?”

What Kids Learn:

• That expressing emotions positively is valued
• The benefits of using words instead of actions
• That emotional awareness leads to better relationships

8. Be Patient and Supportive

Emotional expression takes time to develop, so gentle guidance is key.

Activity Idea:

• If a child has an emotional outburst, stay calm and say, “Let’s figure out what’s wrong together.”
• Encourage trying again if they struggle to express their feelings.
• Remind them that emotions are normal and that learning to talk about them is a process.

What Kids Learn:

• That emotions take time to understand and express
• The importance of trying again after challenges
• That parents and caregivers are always there to help

Final Thoughts

Teaching young children how to express emotions in a healthy way helps them develop confidence, strong relationships, and emotional intelligence. By modeling emotional expression, encouraging open conversations, and providing coping strategies, parents can guide children in managing their feelings in a positive and constructive manner.