Emotional development presupposes learning how to distinguish emotions, express them, and cope with them accordingly. In the case of infants and toddlers, it starts with the formation of stable attachments and then continues with the process of the ability to manage emotions, show empathy, and develop resilience.
Skills and Strategies for Supporting Children's Emotional Development
Theory Connections
Attachment Theory
According to Bowlby and Ainsworth (1969), secure attachments with responsive caregivers help infants develop trust, emotional regulation, and healthy social relationships.
Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
Erikson (1950) proposed that during the first three years, children move through two emotional stages:
Trust vs. Mistrust (0–18 months): Trust forms through consistent and loving care.
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (18 months–3 years): Toddlers gain emotional confidence through supported independence.
Learning Opportunities
Infants (0–12 months)
Activity: “If You’re Happy and You Know It” during Tummy Time Goal: Encourage early emotional recognition, connection, and language engagement.
How: Place baby on a soft mat for tummy time. Gently sing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” while using animated facial expressions and actions (e.g., clapping, smiling, wiggling toes).
Emotional Focus: Social connection, emotional cues, joy in shared routines.
Toddlers (12–24 months)
Activity: Emotion Cards – Matching and Naming
Goal: Support early awareness of emotions and build emotional vocabulary
How: Sit with the child and show cards with simple emotions (happy, sad, angry, tired). Use clear expressions and voice tone as you name and act out each one. Encourage children to point, copy, or say the emotion.
Emotional Focus: Recognition, labelling feelings, expression through imitation
Toddlers (2–3 years)
Activity: Face Making with Playdough or Loose Parts
Goal: Help children identify and express their emotions while building empathy and confidence.
How: Ask, “How are you feeling today?” and invite the child to create a face using playdough or loose parts. Encourage matching their own expression using a mirror. Guide them in naming the emotion shown. Emotional Focus: Self-expression, emotional vocabulary, empathy, sense of self
Activities Collection
You are My sunshine
If you’re happy
Yoga with emotions
We are all strong Book