Step 2
Before children can understand others, they need to understand themselves.
Emotional literacy starts with noticing, labelling, and accepting feelings - including the dramatic ones.
Narrate what’s happening: “You’re smiling - you’re having fun!” or “He looks upset - maybe he wanted a turn”
Label your own feelings in the moment: “I’m tired and snappy. I need a break.”
Name their emotions gently: “You look frustrated. It’s tricky when things don’t work the first time”
Point out others’ reactions: “Did you see Ava walk away? I think she felt left out.”
Don’t rush to fix - help them reflect: “What do you think we could try next time?”
Build emotional vocabulary over time. You’re not raising a therapist, just a more self-aware little human.
Real-life Wins: You say, “You look disappointed,” and your child nods, then slumps dramatically onto the sofa. A win for emotional honesty (and maybe a cuddle break).