How can adults assist toddlers in developing emotional skills effectively?

The most effective way for adults to assist toddlers in developing emotional skills is by putting emotions into words and modeling appropriate behaviors. This approach helps children understand and identify their own feelings as well as the feelings of others. By verbalizing emotions, adults provide context and clarity that can make it easier for toddlers to navigate their emotional experiences.

When adults name emotions during interactions, such as "I can see that you're feeling upset" or "It looks like you're really happy right now," they validate the child's feelings and teach them the vocabulary needed to express those emotions. Additionally, modeling appropriate emotional responses—such as calming oneself down when angry or expressing joy verbally—helps children learn how to regulate their emotions and behave in socially acceptable ways.

In contrast, ignoring emotional outbursts can leave children without the support they need to process their feelings or learn how to manage them effectively. Allowing exclusive expression through actions may hinder their ability to communicate verbally, and discouraging emotional expression entirely denies them a critical aspect of their development, which can lead to increased emotional difficulties later on. By engaging toddlers in conversations about emotions and leading by example, adults foster an environment where emotional literacy can flourish.