Helping Children Name Their Feelingsss

A child may be laughing one moment and suddenly become quiet, frustrated, or tearful the next. When an adult asks, “What’s wrong?” the answer is often, “I don’t know.” That response does not always mean the child is refusing to communicate. Many children genuinely do not yet have the words to explain what is happening inside them. Learning to name feelings is a skill, just like learning to read, tie a shoe, or solve a problem. It develops through patience, practice, and caring support. When children can identify an emotion, they are better able to communicate what they need, understand their reactions, and feel less overwhelmed by the experience.