Emotional Development for Early Childhood

Stage:
When it comes to early childhood
social/emotional development it is all about
learning to socialize and build positive
relationships. Children learn the values and
behaviors that are accepted by society
((Dodge, D., Colker, L., & Heroman, C.).
At this stage of development as the childs
Language develops empathy becomes more
reflective (Burk, L). This allows the children
to have the ability to understand and share their
feelings with one another. They also start to
understand the consequences of their action as
well as how to regulate their emotions.
Four Tips on How to Promote Self-
Regulation:
Parents should always make time
for their child and make their
environment as stress free as
possible.
There should be a set of good
rules and consequences that
follow breaking these rules.
(Consistency is key)
When a child seems stressed we
can find other activities for them
to do to keep them occupied and
thoughts away from the
situation.
Adults should model what it is
that they are expecting from the
child. If the adults is always
yelling and hitting people the
child will imitate this.
Two Behavioral Strategies that can be
Utilized to Assist a Child Who is Struggling
with Self-Regulation:
Parents should make sure that what is
expected of them is stated clearly and is
always consistent.
Parents should make sure the child has a
positive relationship with them. When a
child knows you really care they are
likelier to respond to what it is that you
are asking of them.
Also just responding in a positive way
makes a big difference.
CONCLUSION:
Having good emotional self-regulation will help
children understand their feelings as well as
others around them. Children will argue and
fight with one another, but knowing that their
actions are hurting their friends and family will
make them think about their actions. Having
positive outcomes is the best way to handle
situations. When they feel good about what they
are doing will make them want their friends to
also feel good about them.