Parents may misinterpret behaviour like tantrums, silence, or withdrawal as mischief or defiance when, in reality, these actions often signal deeper feelings.

💞 The Parent’s Role in Emotional Awareness
Parents are the first teachers of emotional literacy.

By naming feelings, validating experiences, and responding calmly, they show children that emotions are normal and manageable.

This guidance builds a child’s emotional intelligence and strengthens their ability to cope with life’s challenges.

📖 What Parents Often Overlook
Many parents focus on fixing behaviours rather than addressing the feelings driving them.

For example, impatience with a child’s tears may unintentionally teach them to hide sadness instead of expressing it.

When emotions are overlooked, children may feel misunderstood or invalidated.

🌱 Commonly Missed Signs of Emotions
Parents sometimes miss emotional struggles when children:

• Act out with sudden aggression
• Withdraw or become unusually quiet
• Display changes in sleep or appetite
• Cling more than usual or avoid activities they once enjoyed

👂 Listening Without Judgment
Children need to know that their feelings won’t be dismissed.

Parents can help by listening attentively, acknowledging emotions, and avoiding phrases like “stop crying” or “you’ll be fine.”

When children feel heard, they gain confidence in expressing themselves.

🏡 Practical Steps for Parents
Parents can support their child’s emotional growth by:

• Naming emotions out loud (e.g., “I can see you’re feeling frustrated”)
• Modeling healthy emotional expression
• Encouraging children to talk about their feelings in safe spaces
• Teaching simple coping strategies like deep breathing or drawing
• Reassuring children that all emotions are valid

🌿 Final Thoughts 💞🌈
When parents recognise and validate their child’s emotions, they nurture resilience and trust. Instead of bottling up feelings, children learn that emotions are signals—not weaknesses—and that they are not alone in managing them.