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Nurturing Emotional Literacy: A Pathway to Confident and Open Communication with Your Children

Writer's picture: Cheryl LazarusCheryl Lazarus



Emotional literacy can be taught and is being done so in many schools. Children are able to understand and relate to many emotions beyond happiness, sadness, and anger. By talking to our children from an early age and giving a name to their emotions, we are showing that we have insight into their inner world. This builds their trust and confidence in us and encourages our children to talk openly as they grow.

While this practice may come easily to some, it may take some determined effort from others. It’s also a practice that should start very early. Toddlers do well with having you name their emotions—‘I see you are feeling angry/frustrated/excited/calm’—is a short phrase that can be inserted into any conversation and before you know it, your child will be correcting you and saying, ‘No, I’m not frustrated, I’m exasperated!’ Just wait until your fifteen-year-old turns the tables and uses their well-established lexicon to give you a detailed evaluation of your parenting skills.

Encouraging emotional literacy is a journey worth taking. It fosters a deeper connection and understanding between you and your child. If you find this practice challenging or need tailored advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. As a parenting consultant, I am here to support you in navigating the complexities of parenting. Let's chat and work together to create a nurturing environment where your children can thrive emotionally.


© 2024 Cheryl Lazarus

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