Recognize and Describe Emotions

REGULATE

Adults can help infants and toddlers see how we recognize, label, and express our different emotions

At a Glance

Infants and toddlers express a wide range of emotions. As they develop, children need support to communicate their feelings using language. When educators label and describe emotions, they help young children develop the emotional awareness and vocabulary to communicate and manage their feelings.

What It Looks Like?

A quick glance at simple ways you can help infants and toddlers learn to recognize and describe emotions

Label Emotions

Use a wide range of emotional vocabulary to identify children’s feelings, like this educator does with the word “frustrated.” When educators use words beyond sad, happy, or mad, it grows children’s understanding of the different emotions we all experience.

Describe Feelings

Point out and explain the emotions that children are feeling, like this educator does when a child is happy because they waited for a turn. Helping children realize how and why they are feeling a certain way helps create important connections between emotions and behaviors.

Foster Empathy

As you label emotions, encourage young children to consider their cause, like this educator does when they point out why the sheep are sad. This helps children begin to understand why others may be feeling a certain way.

STRATEGY SUITE

Supporting Emotions

Young children are just beginning to understand and recognize a wide range of emotions, from happiness to frustration. In this strategy suite, you’ll learn strategies to help toddler and older infants begin to identify and express their emotions.

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE

Recognize and Validate Trauma-Related Emotions

Children may experience traumatic separation or grief, as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. This tip sheet provides suggestions to support children with their emotions.

FAMILY CONNECTION

Tools to Talk About Emotions

Young children deal with many of the same emotions that adults do. This short article from CSEFEL provides caregivers with simple strategies to help young children understand and express their emotions.

CONSIDERING EQUITY

Our Race-Related Memories

Dr. Beverly Tatum talks about the strong emotions linked to our race-related memories and the power of talking about race with children to help them understand their emotions and make sense of the world.