Section 3
Recognizing and Expressing Emotions
As children grow, they begin to experience a wide range of emotions—happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and more complex feelings like pride or frustration. Learning to recognize and express emotions is an important developmental milestone. When children can name their feelings and share them appropriately, they build stronger self-understanding and healthier relationships.
Recognizing emotions helps children make sense of the signals their body and mind are sending. Expressing emotions in safe and healthy ways prevents them from becoming overwhelmed and teaches them that all feelings are normal. With guidance, children learn that emotions are not “good” or “bad”—they are information that can be shared and managed.
By practicing these skills early, children build the foundation for emotional intelligence. They become better equipped to manage stress, connect with others, and develop resilience that supports lifelong well-being.
Why “Recognizing and Expressing Emotions” Matters
Children learn self-awareness and emotional vocabulary:
Research shows that when children are taught to label their feelings, they develop stronger emotional awareness and better communication skills (Denham et al., 2012).
Healthy expression reduces behavioral problems:
Children who can identify and share their feelings are less likely to act out or suppress emotions in unhealthy ways (Izard et al., 2001).
Emotional understanding supports mental health:
Studies indicate that children who practice recognizing and expressing emotions are more resilient and less likely to experience anxiety or depression later in life (Trentacosta & Fine, 2010).
It improves empathy and relationships:
Being able to recognize both their own emotions and those of others helps children develop empathy, cooperate with peers, and form positive friendships (Eisenberg et al., 2006).