Understanding Children's Emotions

    Understanding the importance of emotions in children is crucial to understanding how emotions guide their thoughts and behaviors. Recent research has defined interest as a key emotion that may be the first to develop in infancy, then later stimulates children’s curiosity, motivating them to explore the world around them and to learn from their experiences.  Parents are encouraged to respond enthusiastically to their children’s interests, increasing opportunities for meaningful conversations which builds stronger family relationships.

     Although some children don’t show “typical” interests (e.g. reading or school work), parents are encouraged to determine what does interest their child, and to engage in their interests. Over time, parents can help their child turn theses interests into constructive projects, but parents must meet them half way through support and encouragement.

To read a more detailed article about this concept of understanding children's emotions, click on the following link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kenneth-barish-phd/understanding-childrens-e_b_3594455.html .

What interests and activities do your children enjoy? How do you encourage your children to pursue their interests? Submit your comments below!