How to Teach Young Children About Expressing Their Feelings in Healthy Ways

Helping young children understand and express their emotions in a healthy way is essential for their emotional and social development. When kids learn to recognize, communicate, and manage their feelings, they develop stronger relationships, better self-control, and increased emotional intelligence. Parents can support this learning through conversations, role-playing, and daily practices. In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to help children express their emotions in a positive and constructive way.

Why Teaching Emotional Expression is Important

• Encourages self-awareness – Helps children recognize and name their feelings.
• Builds emotional intelligence – Teaches kids how to communicate emotions effectively.
• Prevents frustration and outbursts – Helps children regulate their feelings in a healthy way.
• Improves relationships – Encourages open and honest communication.
• Prepares for social interactions – Develops skills needed for school and friendships.

1. Teach Children to Identify Their Emotions

Naming emotions helps children understand what they’re feeling and why.

Activity Idea:

• Use an emotion chart with faces and names for different feelings.
• Ask, “How are you feeling right now?” and help them find the right word.
• Read books about emotions and discuss how the characters feel.

What Kids Learn:

• How to recognize and label their emotions
• That all feelings are normal and okay
• The first step to managing emotions is understanding them

2. Encourage Expressing Feelings with Words

Teaching children to talk about emotions helps prevent outbursts and frustration.

Activity Idea:

• Teach simple phrases like “I feel sad because…” or “I’m mad because…”
• Encourage children to talk about their day and what made them happy or upset.
• Use puppets or dolls to act out emotions and practice expressing feelings.

What Kids Learn:

• How to communicate feelings instead of acting out
• The importance of using words instead of physical reactions
• That expressing emotions leads to understanding and support

3. Introduce Calming Techniques for Big Emotions

Helping children learn how to calm down teaches emotional self-regulation.

Activity Idea:

• Teach deep breathing exercises: “Smell the flower, blow out the candle.”
• Create a calm-down corner with soft pillows and quiet activities.
• Encourage movement-based calming, like stretching or jumping in place.

What Kids Learn:

• How to manage overwhelming emotions
• That taking a break helps regain control
• Healthy ways to cope with frustration

4. Use Storytelling to Teach Emotional Regulation

Books and stories help children relate to characters who experience different emotions.

Activity Idea:

• Read books like The Color Monster or When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry.
• Pause and ask, “What is the character feeling? What could they do to feel better?”
• Relate the story to real-life situations your child has experienced.

What Kids Learn:

• How to recognize emotions in themselves and others
• That emotions are temporary and manageable
• Different strategies for calming down

5. Model Healthy Emotional Expression

Children learn emotional regulation 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 self-control when facing challenges, like being stuck in traffic.
• Talk about emotions openly: “I felt really happy when you gave me a hug!”

What Kids Learn:

• That emotions are normal for everyone
• How to manage feelings in a healthy way
• That talking about emotions is a positive habit

6. Encourage Problem-Solving for Emotional Challenges

Helping kids think through solutions builds resilience and self-control.

Activity Idea:

• When they feel frustrated, ask, “What can we do to fix this?”
• Encourage trying different strategies: “Would talking help, or do you need a quiet moment?”
• Praise problem-solving efforts: “I love how you calmed yourself down!”

What Kids Learn:

• How to think before reacting
• That they have control over their emotions
• The power of problem-solving in emotional situations

7. Teach Empathy and Understanding for Others’ Feelings

Recognizing emotions in others helps children develop kindness and patience.

Activity Idea:

• Ask, “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?”
• Role-play scenarios where kids practice comforting someone.
• Encourage simple acts of kindness, like offering a hug or saying kind words.

What Kids Learn:

• How to recognize emotions in others
• That kindness helps build strong relationships
• The importance of being aware of others’ feelings

8. Praise and Reinforce Positive Emotional Responses

Recognizing when children manage their emotions well encourages them to keep practicing.

Activity Idea:

• Say, “I love how you took deep breaths instead of yelling—that was very smart!”
• Use a “feelings chart” where kids track and celebrate their emotional progress.
• Ask, “How did you feel after calming down?” to reinforce self-awareness.

What Kids Learn:

• That emotional regulation is valued and appreciated
• The importance of reflecting on their own actions
• Confidence in handling emotions independently

Final Thoughts

Teaching young children about expressing their feelings in healthy ways helps them build self-awareness, resilience, and strong social skills. By modeling healthy emotional responses, encouraging open communication, and providing calming strategies, parents can help children navigate their feelings in a positive and constructive way.