Helping children understand their emotions
Positive wellbeing is underpinned by our ability to recognise and manage our emotions. Raising emotionally intelligent and resilient children can give them the tools they need to grow. But where do we even start? We’ve put together a list of tips.


Emotional intelligence


What is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence refers to our ability to be aware of, control, and express our emotions. In other words, emotional intelligence is about how we handle our feelings.
Half of diagnosable mental health problems are established before a child’s 14th birthday. So, learning about our emotions at an early age is crucial to working through life’s challenges. The more that children and young people understand about themselves, the more they are prepared to take on difficult situations.
I can't control someone else, but I can control how I react.

Tips for parents
Today, particularly with the fast-paced nature of social media, young people can find it even harder to take a breather and reflect on how they are feeling. That is why talking to them about their emotions is so important.
It’s important to encourage open communication about your child’s feelings. Set time aside to ask open ended questions about their day. If they’re struggling to label or identify their emotions, use an emotion chart or encourage journaling to write about or draw their feelings.
Stories, books or films can also be used as prompts to discuss difficult emotions and encourage empathy. You could ask your child how they would feel about a situation, or what they think a character felt.
We all need ways to work through those big emotions. From pressure at school to cyberbullying, children need strategies to cope with the challenges they face. Exercise and time in nature are powerful tools for alleviating stress and boosting endorphins. Time spent listening to music or with our furry friends are also great mood boosters.
I'm always learning more about myself. I think that's a lifelong thing.

The pocket guide for raising tweens
Raising tweens can be challenging. They’re navigating big physical, emotional, and social changes. Whether it is tips for helping them deal with anxiety, advice on coping with body image, or online safety, we've got you covered with The pocket guide for raising tweens. Get monthly advice straight to your inbox tackling all the burning questions and much more when you donate today.
Support available to children


Support available to children
Our support services are designed to listen to young people, help them understand their emotions and develop strategies to cope with whatever life throws at them. Every child should be able to access help as soon as they need it. Our services offer support, whatever’s on a child’s mind.
Space to grow offers free early help for children struggling with their emotional health and wellbeing aged 8 to 13 years old in 13 places and in each nation. We help children so that they can feel happier, supported, and safer. Funded by BBC Children in Need, The Children’s Society, The Health Foundation, and Impact on Urban Health and delivered in partnership with MACS and Children First, children can access one-to-one support, join a workshop in Scotland, or speak to a specialist project worker by phone.
Early support is going to help in the long run.

Lessons learnt
Growing up can be difficult for any child. But by building awareness of their emotions – their ability to understand and talk about them – we can help prepare children for the changes ahead.