5 Tips for Nurturing Your Child's Emotional Growth

For many parents, there's nothing more fulfilling than witnessing their children's joy. Parenting can often feel like a challenging journey with little immediate gratification, so knowing our children are experiencing happiness can provide reassurance that we're doing things right. 

That being said, kids shouldn’t feel happy all the time. In fact, experiencing a wide range of emotions — including negative emotions — can be beneficial to their growth and maturity. Here, we’ll share why this is, and what you can do as a parent to encourage your kids to explore various feelings and emotions. Plus, learn how SonderMind can support you and your child’s mental well-being as you navigate the “growing pains” of new emotional experiences and challenges. 

Why feeling a range of emotions is healthy for kids

As they grow, children need to feel and understand different types of emotions such as sadness, fear, and disappointment. Experiencing a wide range of emotions teaches children how to navigate challenging situations, cope effectively, problem-solve, and develop empathy — skills that will serve them well in adulthood. What’s more? A recent study discovered that those who embrace a wide range of emotions have better mental and physical health, reduced depression, and possess effective coping strategies for various behavioral situations. So, while it may feel uncomfortable to watch your kids experience difficult emotions, these experiences help them mature and support their overall health. 

What parents can do to support their children’s emotional growth 

So, what can you do to help your children experience many different emotions, and use those experiences to their benefit? In a column for Psychology Today, SonderMind’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Doug Newton, MD, MPH, shares a few pointers parents can follow to help support their children’s emotional growth: 

1. Let your kids know it’s okay to experience many types of feelings 

While we may not naturally encourage sadness, fear, or anger in our children, these emotions play a vital role in their growth. If you witness your child feeling these emotions, encourage them to embrace them rather than trying to“cheer them up” or get them to feel differently. Even emotions such as anger can be beneficial in certain situations, according to research. 

2. Help your children explore their emotions 

While it may be uncomfortable for our kids and ourselves, it's crucial to let our children venture into new emotional territories and learn from the pros and cons they bring. Dr. Newton uses the example of allowing a child to feel fear when they are climbing something tall for the first time. Feeling this emotion helps them gain an understanding of the situation and what they need to do to achieve their goal— they know that if they don’t put their foot in the right place, they could fall. 

So whenever it is reasonable, encourage your kids to conquer their fears and try climbing a little higher at the park, and witness their healthy sense of accomplishment. 

3. Help your kids learn from setbacks

When your child shows emotions such as frustration, disappointment, or defeat, help them understand that these feelings can be used as motivation to do better. For example, when your child doesn't perform well on a test, let them know that it’s an opportunity to learn from so they can do better and feel better next time. Emphasize the importance of hard work, effective studying, and how it leads to better results. 

4. Address persistent sadness

It's important to note that while occasional sadness is normal and healthy, persistent sadness may indicate a more serious issue like depression. If your child shows signs of depression, have an open conversation with them and consider involving a mental health professional who can provide further guidance and support.

5. Prioritize joy and fun

While experiencing various emotions — including difficult ones — is important for your child’s growth and development, it’s also important to create opportunities for happiness and fun for your children. Sharing moments of joy is one of the most gratifying aspects of being a parent and helps create positive memories for your family. Feeling positive emotions are just as important to your child’s well-being, so plan that fun family vacation and share in the joy it brings your kids. And if patience starts to run thin at the airport or waiting in line for that new rollercoaster ride, allow your kids to embrace those feelings, too. 

SonderMind is here for you and your family 

Parenting comes with its challenges. So does growing up. If you or your child needs some extra support, therapy from SonderMind can help. Our therapists offer individual, family, and 

children/adolescent therapy, and specialize in adolescent/teen mental health. pediatric mental health, family relationships, and more. Just let us know what you’re looking for in a therapist, and we’ll connect you with someone who’s right for you or your child’s unique needs within 48 hours.