For Families & Educators

Helping Toddlers Understand Their Feelings 

As toddlers begin to recognize themselves as individuals, they experience more complex emotions, such as embarrassment or jealousy. Help your toddler understand and manage these feelings by describing emotions in simple words. For instance, “You’re feeling sad and jealous because Carly got the cupcake you wanted. It’s okay to feel that way, and you can choose another special treat too.” 

Try This: 

• Explore Feelings with Play: Use puppets to act out scenarios your toddler might encounter, like learning to share or saying goodbye to a babysitter. 

• Get Creative: Encourage your child to draw or make shapes with playdough to express emotions. You can ask questions about their artwork to deepen the emotional connection.