Why is it important to talk to children about emotions?

Emotions are not just reactions to what’s happening around us; they are the foundation of our inner world. For children, understanding their feelings—especially complex ones like sadness—can be an unclear and frightening process. When a child faces sadness, it feels like their world darkens, and if they don’t know how to deal with this state, emotions may overwhelm them. It’s important to teach children not to fear sadness but to accept it as a natural part of life.

Avoiding conversations about feelings or suppressing emotions can lead to serious consequences in the future: the child might begin to believe their feelings are "wrong," which could lead to emotional isolation and an inability to express what they are feeling. I believe that early emotional literacy education is key to emotional well-being.

It’s crucial for parents to model talking about feelings as a normal part of life. For instance, when a child is crying or withdrawing, it’s important to gently say, “I see that you’re upset. It’s okay—sometimes everyone feels sad. Let’s talk about it.” Such words show the child that their feelings are important and that it’s okay to work through them.

Role-Playing: A Bridge Between Emotion and Understanding

Role-playing is one of the best ways to help a child realize and experience their emotions in a safe form. When children play with toys or create their own worlds, they act out scenarios that mirror their real-life experiences. This allows the child to express what’s difficult to say directly and release emotional tension through play.

In play, a child can act out situations that evoke fear, sadness, or other complex feelings, thus learning ways to express them. For example, by acting out a scene where their doll or stuffed animal is also feeling sad, the child learns empathy and problem-solving skills.

Game Example: You can suggest that the child become a superhero with a special power—an ability to deal with sadness. Say to them, “Let’s think about what this power could be. Maybe you can breathe deeply or sing softly when you’re sad? What else can help you feel stronger when you’re feeling sad?” This not only allows the child to use their imagination but also helps develop skills to manage their emotions.

Children’s Books: A Window into the World of Feelings

Children’s books about sadness and other emotions are important tools for parents who want to help their children understand themselves. Books create a safe distance through which a child can explore their feelings. The characters in the stories experience the same emotions as the child, showing that even the toughest emotions are part of life and can be handled.

After reading a book, you can ask the child simple questions to help them reflect on the story and relate it to their personal experience. For example: “Why do you think the main character was sad? What helped them feel better?” These questions not only help the child recognize emotions but also encourage them to explore ways to cope with them.

Choose books that show a range of emotions—from happiness to sadness, from fear to confidence. The more emotions the child learns about, the easier it will be for them to understand themselves.

Conclusion: The Path to Emotional Awareness Through Role-Playing and Books

Role-playing and children’s books about emotions are powerful tools that help children accept their feelings, find words to express them, and deal with emotional challenges. Every game and every book read is a step toward emotional maturity and self-regulation. Parents who play with their children and read them books about difficult emotions create a space where the child can realize that emotions are not enemies but natural companions of life.

Parental support in this process is a crucial part of the path to emotional literacy for the child. Remember: every conversation about emotions, every game, or every book read is an opportunity to help the child become stronger and happier by teaching them to accept and express their feelings.