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EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Four tips to help promote
self-regulation in this
stage of development
Model appropriate behaviors so
children can learn and respond
to their own experiences.

Consistency in punishments.
When children act
inappropriately reprimand them
each and every time.

Teach children how delay
gratification. Help children learn
to shift their attention and inhibit
emotional reactivity (Berk, 2013).

Teach children the techniques
to resist temptation. Shift
attention to something that
interests them to take their mind
off of the stimulation.
BEHAVIORAL STRATEGIES THAT CAN BE UTILIZED TO HELP A STRUGGLING CHILD
When children are punished because of an undesirable behavior make sure they clearly
understand what behaviors are not tolerated.
If a child is having difficult controlling their emotions or behavior, a time-out can help them refocus
and take a break from the activity.
As a caregiver, it is important to take action before children become too aggressive. Help them
learn to control their emotions before they get out of hand.




The development of emotion in early childhood consists of emotional
understanding and empathy. The temperament of a child can have an
impact on how they handle and display emotions. According to Batema
(2014), The first five years of a childs life are considered the most crucial
in several areas of growth, including emotional development. The ability to
recognize and regulate emotions and to form relationships with peers and
family do not just appear naturally -- those concepts are taught through
play and other experiences in the early childhood years (para 1). Children
learn about emotions by social referencing (relying on others reactions to
situations). They begin to compare their own emotions to that of others
which enables them to understand the concept of emotions. As they
experience these emotions, the gain an understanding of others and learn
how to react in response to these feelings. They are able to empathize with
others and regulate their own emotions through interactions with peers.
Their temperament (individual differences in reaction and self-regulation)
has an impact on how they respond and how well they can regulate their
own emotions. Children in this stage are able to display empathy, and they
begin to realize that others emotional reactions can differ from theirs. It is
through emotional development that children are able to interact with adults
and peers.


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Why good self-regulation is vital for empathy to result in sympathy and prosocial
behavior
When children have good self-regulation they learn how to control emotions and they are capable
of understanding others emotions. When they have an understanding of emotions they are able
understand what others are feeling. These understandings allow them to feel empathy and respond
to others based on what they are feeling. When interacting with adults and peers, children need to
be able to respond and engage with others. If they are able to master their own feelings they can
control their behaviors. This allow them to interact with others in different environments. They are
able to share experiences and help others interact. We are a social world, and children need to
socialize and find their place among their community. Self-regulation is the beginning of this social
journey.