At Big Hearts Little Hands, we believe that early childhood education is about more than teaching letters and numbers. It is about helping children build all the skills they need to succeed in life. One of the most important of these is emotional regulation: the ability to recognize, manage, and express emotions in healthy ways. By focusing on supporting young children in this area, our daycare programs strengthen not only learning in the classroom but also confidence, empathy, and resilience that last well beyond the preschool years.
Why Emotional Regulation Matters in Early Childhood
Research shows that children who can manage their emotions are better prepared for both school and life. They are more likely to build positive relationships, handle challenges, and engage in learning with focus and curiosity. The Harvard Center on the Developing Child explains that emotional regulation is closely tied to executive function skills like attention and problem-solving, which are critical for success in school and beyond. For children in childcare, emotional regulation is just beginning to develop. Teaching these skills early gives children the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Benefits of Teaching Emotional Regulation
- Supports Emotional Development: Preschoolers are learning to identify feelings like anger, sadness, or excitement. When teachers model and guide calming strategies such as taking deep breaths or using words to describe feelings—children gain skills that support healthy emotional development.
- Encourages Positive Behavior: When children learn self-regulation, they are less likely to have frequent tantrums or conflicts with peers. The CDC notes that teaching children to manage emotions through responsive caregiving reduces behavioral challenges and promotes stronger peer relationships.
- Strengthens Social Skills: Understanding emotions in themselves helps children develop empathy toward others. Classroom activities like role-playing or “feelings charts” encourage children to see situations from another person’s perspective, improving friendships and cooperation.
- Improves Learning Readiness: Children who can calm themselves when frustrated are better able to focus on tasks and absorb new information. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) emphasizes that social-emotional skills, including regulation, are deeply connected to children’s ability to learn.
How Daycare and Preschool Teachers Can Help
At Big Hearts Little Hands, our teachers embed emotional regulation strategies into daily routines. These practices give children opportunities to practice self-regulation in a safe, supportive environment. Some examples include:
- Calm-down spaces: A cozy corner where children can relax with books, soft toys, or sensory tools.
- Modeling coping skills: Teachers demonstrate strategies like counting to five or breathing exercises.
- Storytelling and music: Books and songs that describe emotions give children language for their feelings.
- Positive reinforcement: Celebrating when children use words or calming tools to manage frustration.
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents are partners in teaching emotional regulation. When home and daycare environments reinforce the same skills, children learn consistency and confidence. Simple strategies include:
- Talking openly about feelings (“I feel frustrated when the traffic is slow”).
- Practicing calming techniques together, such as deep breathing or yoga.
- Offering comfort while encouraging independence: “I know you’re sad. Let’s take three deep breaths together.”
Helping children learn to regulate their emotions is one of the most powerful gifts we can give in early childhood education. At Big Hearts Little Hands, we are committed to supporting young children not only in their academic growth but also in their emotional development, knowing that these skills will serve them for life.
By working together with parents, teachers, and caregivers, we can give children the tools they need to face challenges with resilience, treat others with empathy, and build a foundation for lifelong success.