emotions-for-kids

Navigating Emotions for Kids in K4-1st Grade

When is the last time you heard your child say, “Look at me?” At this age, probably pretty recently. Kids are constantly seeking attention. But what “look at me” really means to young kids is, “Do I matter to you?” It’s one of the most important questions they need answered. Feeling seen, loved, and appreciated brings confidence that’s so important for childhood development.

Emotionally speaking, everything is of enormous importance to children this age, including small moments. Kids want to share these life-shaking events and interactions with the people they care about most. That’s you. For kids to develop healthy emotional expressions and relationships, they need undivided attention. They need to know they are wanted and cared about. Their emotional development is important. It’s important for you to get excited about whatever excites them.

The emotional range is wide and deep for young children. The highs are very high and the lows are very low. It’s not uncommon to flip from happy and angry in a matter of moments. Children this age can experience anxiety and sadness, especially if they have seen videos or movies with inappropriate images.

This is a lot to juggle. There are so many things to consider in childhood emotional development. Don’t get overwhelmed. Check out this video from our Child Development Series and get involved today. We have research from doctors, teachers, and others to help you along the journey. Learning how to navigate your child’s emotions will be a wild ride. Embrace it.

Huddle up with your kids and ask, “How do you feel when I play with you?”