Naming big feelings together
1–2 yearsFamily ConnectionNo materials needed
When your child gets upset during play or daily activities, kneel down to their level and calmly name what they might be feeling. Use simple words like mad, sad, or frustrated. Your calm presence helps them learn that feelings are okay and can be talked about. This creates a foundation for handling disagreements peacefully later on.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
When your child gets upset during play or daily activities, kneel down to their level and calmly name what they might be feeling. Use simple words like mad, sad, or frustrated. Your calm presence helps them learn that feelings are okay and can be talked about. This creates a foundation for handling disagreements peacefully later on.
Why It Works
Your child is just beginning to connect words with their internal experiences. When you label emotions during conflicts, you're teaching the first step of conflict resolution: recognizing and naming feelings. Research shows that children who learn to calmly discuss disagreements and express frustration with words show 30% better emotional regulation throughout development (Shantz, 1987). At this age, your modeling is the primary teaching tool. Early training in these foundational skills leads to significantly better peer relationships and 25% fewer behavioral problems (Webster-Stratton & Reid, 2004).
Tips for Parents
Stay calm and use a gentle voice, even when your child is very upset. Your regulation helps them learn to regulate.
Wait until the biggest wave of emotion passes before trying to talk. Sometimes just being present is enough.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and Modeling
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