Topic Overview
Emotional growth is a process of developing feelings and learning how
to handle them appropriately. Sadness, fear, anger, and happiness are our most
common feelings. Every child has emotional needs. Meeting those needs is one of
the most important things you will do as a parent or caregiver.
Between the ages of 2 and 5, children gradually learn how to manage
their feelings. For example, a toddler may get mad and have a tantrum if a toy
is taken away. As the child matures emotionally, he or she will learn to
express anger in other ways.
Young children also begin to develop moral emotions and to feel
ashamed or guilty when they do something wrong. When bad things happen, young
children may feel responsible for no logical reason. Reassure your child by
showing affection and love in addition to talking about feelings. Children do
not always know the words to explain how they feel.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerLouis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics