25 Quotes To Teach Kids About Emotions

Kids experience a wide range of emotions, and learning to recognize and name them is an important part of their development. Research[1] shows that children begin recognizing basic emotions, such as happiness and sadness, as early as 18 months of age, and their ability to identify and manage emotions continues to develop throughout early childhood.

While children often understand language before they can use it themselves, they need plenty of practice to express their feelings. One of the best ways to help children practice is through play and in a relaxed environment where they feel safe.

Early childhood is crucial for social-emotional development, especially during the school years. Emotions are what make us human, but they can sometimes be overwhelming. When kids experience big emotions, logical thinking often takes a backseat, making it essential to address their feelings first before offering guidance.

Emotion quotes can be a powerful tool to support children in understanding and expressing their emotions. These quotes provide simple, relatable language that helps children connect with their feelings and realize they are not alone.

By introducing emotion quotes, we can help children process their feelings, giving them the words to describe emotions and the strength to manage them. Emotions can be challenging, but with the right guidance, children can learn to handle life’s surprises with confidence.

Emotions strongly impact our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. For children, understanding and managing emotions is a key part of their growth. Encouraging them to label their emotions is an excellent first step in helping them recognize and express what they’re feeling. Having a list of emotions available—whether in the classroom or at home—can serve as a helpful tool as they navigate their emotions.

Supporting children as they express their emotions makes them more comfortable with feelings, even ones like jealousy or anger that may not feel good. It’s important for them to understand that all emotions are natural and valid. Expressing emotions is a healthy part of life. Emotional awareness helps children understand their needs, build better relationships, and navigate their feelings with ease.

Children often view the world with wonder and simplicity. The quotes in the next section reflect their unique and sometimes surprisingly wise observations about life and emotions.

Parents are familiar with how quickly a child’s emotions can shift—from happy and loving to angry or frustrated in an instant. These emotional changes are normal but can also reflect a child’s struggle to manage their feelings. Navigating these shifts can be challenging for kids, and this is where guidance comes in. To support this, we’ve compiled 25+ emotion quotes to help children understand their feelings and learn to manage them better.

1.     Dream big, smile bigger

2.     Life’s sweet with treats

3.     Hug tighter, laugh louder

4.     Stay wild, moon child

5.     Ice cream scoops, hula hoops, joy in loops

6.     Silly faces, fun races, finding joy in simple places

7.     With each crayon, I color happiness till it’s drawn

8.     Naptime rebel, in my little level

9.     Teddy bear whispers, my daily elixirs

10.  Mischief in my eyes, full of sweet surprise

11.  Happiness blooms wherever you wander, little one

12.  Keep filling your days with your sunny-side giggles

13.  Mud pies today, gourmet my way

14.  Splashing fun, under the sun, never done

15.  Jumping in puddles, joy doubles.

16.  Dancing in rain, no pain, just gain

17.  Believe in magic

18.  Smile, sparkle, repeat

19.  Every day’s a playdate with the world. 

20.   Jump, run, laugh: the playtime mantra

21.  Replace fear of the unknown with curiosity

22.  Don’t give into your fears, if you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart

23.  A ship in  harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for

24.  Life is a daring adventure or nothing

25.  Courage does not always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow

26.  With each crayon, I colour happiness till it’s drawn.

27.  Playground king, on a swing, doing my thing.

28.  Sunshine in my curls, twirling in whirls

29.  Be kind, be bright

30.  Be your story

Big emotions can make life challenging for kids, but emotional regulation helps them navigate their feelings more effectively. A study[2] published in the journal Developmental Psychology found that children who receive emotional coaching from parents—where emotions are validated and labeled—are better able to manage their emotions and experience fewer behavioral issues. 

While children naturally learn emotional regulation over time, there are ways to support them in cultivating awareness and adopting healthy coping strategies.

  1. Validating Feelings: When your child is upset, such as crying after a minor scrape, your first instinct should be to calm them. It’s important to validate their feelings by listening and assuring them that it’s okay to express their emotions.
  2. Helping to Label Emotions: Children benefit from learning to identify and name their emotions. You can support this process by discussing emotions in relation to fictional characters from TV shows or books. With practice, your child will become better at labeling their own emotions.
  3. Empowering with Information: Boost your child’s confidence by helping them understand that they have the power to manage their emotions. Encourage them to take control by showing them ways to respond when big feelings arise.
  4. Setting Realistic Expectations: It’s essential to set achievable goals for your child when trying something new. For example, if they’re working on a new puzzle, gauge whether it’s appropriate for their current abilities.
  5. Teaching Coping Skills: Coping skills are crucial for managing emotions effectively. By teaching your child how to cope with difficult situations, you’re preparing them to handle big emotions in ways that promote long-term emotional resilience.

Emotions begin to develop in the toddler years, and it takes time for children to gain control over them. Emotions are a natural part of being human, and it’s important to teach children to embrace them.

Children who aren’t encouraged to express their emotions may end up holding onto unsaid feelings, which can sometimes lead to negative traits like aggression. Helping children understand and manage their emotions is crucial for their overall well-being. The quotes above highlight how emotional awareness can help kids make better decisions as they grow.

Feelings and emotions are a huge part of our lives, and everyone expresses them differently. By learning to recognize and label emotions, children can experience positive changes in their behavior and develop healthier ways to navigate life’s challenges.

References:

1. Denham, S. A., Blair, K. A., DeMulder, E., Levitas, J., Sawyer, K., Auerbach–Major, S., & Queenan, P. (2003). Preschool emotional competence: pathway to social competence? Child Development, 74(1), 238–256. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8624.00533

2. Gottman, John & Katz, Lynn & Hooven, Carole. (1996). Parental Meta-Emotion Philosophy and the Emotional Life of Families: Theoretical Models and Preliminary Data. Journal of Family Psychology. 10. 243-268. 10.1037/0893-3200.10.3.243.

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