Infants and toddlers are just beginning to develop a
cognitive filter—the ability to accurately discern information
from the environment to determine what is happening
and what will likely happen next. This inability leads
to feelings of powerlessness, which makes it difficult for
young children to manage their strong emotions. Additionally
they have limited coping skills and need the help
of a trusted adult to assist them first in identifying those
emotions, as in the opening vignette, and then in tailoring
strategies to support their growing ability to return to
a calm state.