Young children have lots of feelings

Young children have many of the same emotions that you have.  They feel joy, love, anger, and sad.

You can listen and watch carefully to understand how children are thinking and feeling.  Tell them what you see.

Young children cannot control their anger or frustration.

You can help children learn the names of their feelings.  When you think they are sad, you can ask, “Are you sad because you miss your mother?”

You can tell children what you do when you have sad feelings.

Show them good things to say or do when they are upset.  Show them how to calm down instead of hurting themselves or someone else.

boy with toy