E3.2 Development of Feelings

What are development of feelings?

How children understand and then learn to control their own feelings.

What is a child’s understanding of feelings at 0-12 months?

They feel emotions but don’t understand them; show feelings through cries and expressions.

What is a child’s understanding of feelings at 1-2 years?

They begin to recognise and name simple emotions (happy, sad).

What is a child’s understanding of feelings at 3-4 years?

They start linking feelings to causes; recognise emotions in others.

What is a child’s understanding of feelings at 5-6 years?

They understand more emotions (frustration, anxiety) and notice mixed feelings.

What is a child’s understanding of feelings at 7-8 years?

They understand that thoughts and situations shape feelings; know people can hide emotions.

What is self-regulation?

Involves children’s ability to regulate their emotions, thoughts and behaviour to enable them to act in positive ways toward a goal.

What is co-regulation?

Adults physically and emotionally supporting a child to control their emotions.

How do children self-regulate at 0-12 months?

They rely on adults to soothe and feel safe.

How do children self-regulate at 1-2 years?

They use adults support. Tantrums are common, and they learn through comfort and routines.

How do children self-regulate at 3-4 years?

They use simple strategies, like words, deep breathes, with help.

How do children self-regulate at 5-6 years?

They begin to regulate on their own - waiting, problem-solving, coping.

How do children self-regulate at 7-8 years?

They use more mature tools - self-talk, planning, empathy, conflict resolution.

What is empathy?

In childhood, it’s the developing ability to understand and share another person’s feelings and perspectives.

What is empathy like at 0-2 years?

Reactive/affective empathy.

• E.g. baby crying because another baby is crying → lack cognitive understanding of individuals emotions to know why they’re crying

What is empathy like at 2-3 years?

Simple helping, imitating comfort, still egocentric.

• E.g. helping another child when they’re upset

What is empathy like at 3-4 years?

Ability to imagine and understand the emotions of others.

• Able to take view of others - put themselves in other shoes

What is empathy like at 5-8 years?

Perspective taking, theory of mind.

• Theory of mind - understanding everyone has internal/personal inside

What are activities and resources that could be used to support children to develop their understanding of feelings?

• Books about feelings

• Emotional charades - 3-4 years

• Gratitude jar/worry monster - 6-7 years

• Regulation station/calm corner - 3-4 years