Section 1
Feeling Faces and Emotions
In early childhood, one of the most important skills kids can learn is how to recognize and understand emotions. Feelings may seem big and confusing at first, but when children can connect emotions to faces and words, they begin to make sense of their inner world. This is the foundation for healthy communication, empathy, and emotional regulation.
By building this early awareness, children discover that all feelings are normal and important. They also gain confidence in expressing themselves in healthy ways, which helps them feel safe, supported, and connected to the people around them.
Why “Feeling Faces and Emotions” Matters
Children learn emotions early: Research shows that even toddlers begin to connect facial expressions with feelings. Recognizing faces like happy, sad, or mad is the first step in understanding emotions (Izard et al., 2001).
Emotional awareness builds social skills: Kids who can name and understand feelings are more likely to make friends, solve problems, and show empathy toward others (Trentacosta & Fine, 2010).
It supports healthy behavior: Studies find that children with stronger “emotion knowledge” have fewer behavior struggles and are better able to manage big feelings in healthy ways (Denham, 1998; Pons et al., 2004).
It’s a foundation for resilience: Understanding emotions in themselves and others helps children feel safe, supported, and confident — skills that last a lifetime (Saarni, 1999).