Have you ever felt like your child’s emotions are a mystery? Sometimes, kids don’t have the words to
express what they’re feeling, and that silence can be heartbreaking. As parents, it’s easy to overlook or
dismiss these emotional cues, thinking they’ll grow out of it. But emotional needs are just as important as
physical ones—and they require attention.
Children, especially younger ones, often struggle to communicate their emotional needs. These needs,
however, play a critical role in their development. When emotional needs are ignored or misunderstood,
frustration, anxiety and behavioral challenges take place . Understanding the emotional world of a child can help parents provide the support they truly need.
Imagine a child who seems to act out at school or at home. It’s easy to chalk it up to “bad behavior” or a
lack of discipline. But what if this child is acting out because they feel unheard or unsafe expressing their
feelings? For instance, a child who has just moved to a new school may feel overwhelmed and uncertain
but may not have the vocabulary to explain this. The child might lash out, not out of malice, but because
they don’t know how else to cope.
Here are a few steps parents can take to address their child’s emotional needs:
Listen actively: Instead of jumping to solutions, simply listen. Let your child know you hear them and
their feelings are valid.
Encourage expression: Help your child find words for their emotions. Use books, art, or even play to
give them the tools they need.
Create a safe space: Ensure that your child feels safe expressing their feelings without fear of
judgment or punishment.
Model emotional health: Children learn by example. Show them how to manage emotions healthily,
and they’ll follow suit.
As we move forward in understanding the emotional needs of our children, it’s important to remember
that silence is not always golden. It can often be a cry for help.
Every child has emotional needs, and as parents, we must help them recognize and address these feelings
early on. By breaking the silence and fostering open communication, we give our children the emotional
tools to thrive. Start today by sitting down with your child, asking how they feel, and truly listening.