Toddler emotions and play
Toddlers are little people with big feelings that they don’t always have the words for.
That’s where you come in. You’ve got an important role to play in helping your toddler express and manage emotions. Sometimes it’s as simple as acknowledging and naming feelings. For example, ‘I can see you’re sad your toy is broken’.
Play is also important, because it’s the natural way children learn and develop. Play gives toddlers a chance to express their feelings and practise managing them. For example, dress-ups or song and dance are a great way for your child act out and explore emotions.
Toddlers watch how you express your feelings, and they get a lot of reassurance from seeing that you can manage your feelings effectively. For example, you send a powerful message when you respond to your frustrated toddler with calmness and understanding.