Emotion check-in
2–3 yearsEmotional WellbeingNo materials needed
Build a routine of asking your child how they're feeling at regular times during the day. Use simple choices like 'Are you feeling happy or tired right now?' Accept whatever answer they give and name it back to them.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Build a routine of asking your child how they're feeling at regular times during the day. Use simple choices like 'Are you feeling happy or tired right now?' Accept whatever answer they give and name it back to them.
This brief practice helps your child develop self-awareness by tuning into their internal emotional state. It normalizes talking about feelings as part of everyday life.
Why It Works
Self-awareness is the foundational component of emotional intelligence (Goleman, 1995). Children whose emotions were acknowledged and labeled by parents at age 2-3 showed significantly better emotional regulation at age 4-5, and emotion coaching at this age predicted fewer behavior problems in elementary school (Goleman, 1995). This practice builds intrapersonal emotional intelligence, which research shows is linked to academic motivation (Mayer et al., 1999).
Tips for Parents
Share your own feelings too. You might say, 'I'm feeling a little tired right now.'
Don't correct their answer. If they say they're happy when they seem sad, just reflect it back. Self-awareness takes time to develop.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Symbolic and Pretend PlaySongs, Stories, and RhymesSocial Learning Through Peers
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