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The preschool years are packed full of rapid growth in a plethora of skills and developmental areas. Emotions are a complicated area of growth due to being abstract concepts. As a parent, there are some ways to help your preschooler develop and express emotions.
Playing
Play is a natural way that preschoolers intuitively learn. It is versatile and provides a chance to practice different emotions. Painting, dress-up, pretend play, and reading are just a few kinds of play one could use.
Painting and drawing is a wonderful way to encourage a preschooler to voice his emotions. It is a relaxing activity that can help bring calm and provide insight. After painting, an adult could walk through the painting with the preschooler and discuss what has been painted. As the adult correctly labels his emotions, it will help provide him with scaffolding that will support emotional development.
Dress-up and pretend play allows her to practice different emotions. She can dress like an adventurer and express excitement, or a princess going to a happy party. Pretend play allows the exploration of a wide variety of emotions, even fear (running from dinosaurs) or sadness (losing a game or battle).
There are many books available which walk the preschooler through a variety of emotions. Often the situations covered are similar to what she is experiencing. Reading can help her understand excitement over a new baby, sadness because a pet died, or nervousness over an upcoming move. The options are endless.
Modeling
Preschoolers are constantly watching how you handle different situations. Your modeling teaches her how to respond. When you make a mistake, point out how you could have handled things correctly and try to do that next time.
Applauding Articulation
As your preschooler develops and grows, applaud him when he is able to articulate his feelings! Cheering him when he is successful will reinforce appropriate and healthy expression. Praise is an essential catalyst for growth.
By helping your preschooler develop and express emotions, you are helping to provide him with the tools to self-calm, cope, and resolve conflict. This will help him to be resilient in a variety of situations and settings. This will also promote healthy relationships with friends and classmates.
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