A Child's Emotional Development

Emotion is a very important part of a child's mental health. For success in life, the development, healthy expression, and regulation of emotion are essential. Emotions can be broadly divided into two — positive emotions (affection, love, tenderness, happiness, joy) and negative emotions (anger, resentment, hatred, pain, sorrow). People express their thoughts through emotion.

A child's emotional development begins from birth. At first the child expresses discomfort or pain through crying; later they gradually learn many other emotions. Although parents, family, and society all contribute to this development, the role of parents is by far the greatest.

Children who can express their emotions properly adapt well in many areas of life, do well in their studies, and maintain good relationships with everyone. Children whose emotional development does not happen properly may develop problems such as excessive anger, stubbornness, crying, inattention to studies, sleep problems, hyperactivity, needless fear, or addiction.

Since parents are the main influence on emotional development, let us learn how they can help their child:

• Listen attentively to your child: If you don't listen attentively, the child cannot express their emotions naturally.
• Praise your child: Praise them when they express emotions appropriately.
• Express your own emotions properly: Children love to imitate; your good behaviour will encourage good behaviour in them.
• Respond to your child's mood: No two children are alike, and a child's mood is not always the same.
• Teach them to give and receive affection: Give plenty of affection; when the child hugs you, hug them back.
• Build a secure emotional bond: Emotional attachment creates a sense of safety and trust in the child, on which they learn to explore their surroundings and build a firm foundation of confidence.
• Teach your child to be confident: Positive feelings about themselves help a child try new things and become self-reliant; speak to them positively and encouragingly.
• Don't block emotional expression: Saying "boys shouldn't cry" or "what's there to be scared of" teaches a child to suppress emotions and leads to later problems. Instead, acknowledge their emotions, reassure them, and praise them when they express emotions properly.

It is important to remember that childhood learning lays the foundation for later life. Children learn by observing adults without their knowing it, so as parents we must first behave the way we wish to teach.