By: Katie Harrison

Toddlers pay more attention to, and understand more things, than we realize. But while they are very good observers of everything around them, they may need a bit of help in understanding their own emotions. According to a new study, you can help your niece or nephew understand what they are feeling and this can positivity affect behavioral issues as they grow.
 
The study, led by Michigan State University and published in the September issue of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, showed that toddlers who are already struggling with behavioral issues benefited greatly after learning about their emotions from their mothers. MSU professor Holly Brophy-Herb explained that the researchers focused on what she called “emotion bridging,” or labeling each emotion so the child is able to put a name to what they are feeling. The researchers also focused on putting the emotions in context. For example: “She is happy because she has ice cream.” Or, using an example from the study: "She is sad because she lost her bird.”

Brophy-Herb explained that helping toddlers learn about their emotions should be ongoing and that any family member can help these young children to understand at anytime throughout the day. Mothers do not have to be the only family members who teach toddlers about their emotions. Aunts can also do this throughout their time with a young niece or nephew. “Over time, these mini-conversations [with family members] translate into a rich body of experiences for the child.”

Photo: Andrey_Kuzmin
Published: September 8, 2015