Tips for Improving the Emotional Health of Children

mother and daughter out for a walk, hugging

Young children experience many important milestones, from sitting up and taking their first steps to learning things like what “happy” and “sad” are and what letters of the alphabet sound like. During these formative years, it’s crucial to support their emotional development as well as the development of other types of skills. Forming a strong and loving bond with your child and spending lots of quality time together helps them to feel safe and taken care of, and these feelings can form the foundation of good mental health, both now and in the decades to come.

Babies

Interacting with your baby is not only a great way to help you bond but also plays a critical role in their brain development during this formative period of life. Engaging their senses through sensory play, such as letting them touch a variety of textures or observe colorful objects in motion, helps their brain make important connections. Babies are naturally drawn to faces, and maintaining eye contact while talking or smiling reassures them and fosters a sense of safety. Talking to your baby, using regular words rather than baby talk, supports their early language acquisition. And establishing daily routines, such as a consistent bedtime ritual, can help create a sense of security and teach them that the world is predictable.

Toddlers

Toddlers’ growing curiosity and independence make this stage a critical period for emotional and cognitive development. They are like little explorers, eager to understand their world but needing guidance to navigate it with confidence. At this age, toddlers often experience big emotions, such as frustration when they can’t communicate their needs or anger when they can’t have something immediately. Identifying and validating these feelings (for example, saying, “You’re sad because your toy broke”) helps them feel understood and supported. Building their knowledge base is also essential, which you can do by reading to them regularly and explaining the names and functions of things in their environment. Encouraging creativity through open-ended play, like using building blocks, crayons, or a sandbox, fosters imagination and problem-solving skills. And celebrating their achievements, even small ones like correctly naming a color or stacking a tower, reinforces their efforts and boosts their confidence.

Preschoolers

Preschoolers are forming their identity and developing a sense of independence. They’re eager to test boundaries, explore new experiences, and interact with others, making this an ideal time for guided learning and growth. Expanding their world through small field trips, such as visits to a library, park, or museum, stimulates their curiosity and provides valuable learning opportunities. Encouraging socialization by allowing them to play with other children helps build their social skills and teaches cooperation. Giving them responsibilities, like setting the table or watering plants, can give them a sense of accomplishment. Teaching empathy through stories or role-play helps them understand and relate to others’ feelings, nurturing compassion and emotional intelligence. And balancing structure and freedom by offering them simple choices, such as deciding between two outfits or selecting a snack from healthy options, supports their independence while maintaining boundaries.

Recognizing Their Emotional Needs

Understanding and addressing young children’s emotional needs is vital as they learn to navigate big feelings they can’t yet manage. When frustration arises from their inability to express these emotions, offering reassurance and guidance helps them feel understood and supported. Staying calm during their distress not only defuses tension but also models healthy emotional regulation. Physical comfort, such as giving them a hug or holding their hand, reinforces their sense of security and trust. Creating a safe space where they know it’s OK to feel and express emotions like anger, sadness, or frustration allows them to explore and process their feelings, and encouraging them to communicate through words, drawing, or play can help to improve their emotional resilience.

What to Avoid

A positive environment is the foundation of a child’s healthy development, while negative experiences can leave lasting emotional scars. Prolonged exposure to violence or constant tension can trigger toxic stress, disrupting brain development and leading to emotional struggles later in life. Frequent arguments, threats of divorce, or disputes over child custody and other post-divorce arrangements in front of children can shake their sense of security and teach them that this is how adults deal with conflict, an unhealthy lesson to learn. And neglecting the child’s need for consistent care and attention can undermine their trust and emotional stability.

Remember to Take Care of Yourself, Too

Parenting is both deeply rewarding and undeniably challenging, making self-care essential not just for you but for your child’s well-being. Building a support team of family, friends, or parenting groups can ease stress by providing connection and shared experiences. Simple ways to decompress, like taking a walk, practicing deep breathing, or enjoying a hobby, can help clear your mind and restore your energy. Prioritizing your health with regular physical activity and a balanced diet boosts both your mood and stamina. If you’re feeling persistently overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a health-care provider or counselor for support. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to nurture and support your child.