Mile Markers

The Walt Disney animated movie Inside Out brilliantly showed how human emotions interact with each other. Inside the main characters head, the characters Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Panic work together to help her process things that are happening around her.

Parents need to teach their children how to express their emotions constructively. On the other hand, the parents need to understand what their children have different physical and emotional needs depending on their age. Psychosocial theorist Erik Erikson identifies different developmental tasks that children from infancy to teenage years need to accomplish.

? Trust versus mistrust (Zero to One Year Old)

Early in their lives, children cant talk, but they can still express themselves. For instance, babies would cry to tell their parents how they are feeling, and it does not necessarily mean they are upset or sad. Dr. Priscilla Dunstan, writer, and creator of the Dunstan Baby Language program, taught parents to listen to their childs cry, and observe certain sounds that their babies make that will tell them exactly what they need to know.

? Autonomy versus shame and doubt (One to Three Years Old)

This phase of childhood prepares the kids for their first romp at school. Parents must help their children gain independence during the first three years, and one of the ways to do this is by helping toddlers identify their own emotions. The internet offers tools and videos that parents can use to teach their children about emotions.

? Initiative versus guilt (Three Years Old to Five Years Old)

At this point, children would start interacting with other kids their own age since they would be spending most of their time at school. Some are involved in rough play, which often times leads to brawls and aggression. Anger is heightened at this point in time. Teachers, parents, and caregivers must help these children regulate the emotions the child experiences.

? Industry versus inferiority (Five Years Old to 12 Years Old)

This is a point in the childs life where their talent becomes evident. Parents should provide opportunities for their children to enhance their talents, be it in sports, music, or arts and crafts. A child who can share their talents with their community and to the world is a happy child. Every child has a different personality and ability so the urge to compare one child to another is not advisable.

? Identity vs. role confusion (12 to18 Years Old)

Teenagers have plenty of concerns that they have to deal with, like their need for independence, changing bodies, raging hormones, social life, and their emerging identities. While children of this age are capable of handling their own emotions, they are still in need of guidance with regards to expressing them maturely. They must be taught on how to exercise prudence when it comes to making life decisions. Mistakes will happen in the search for independence, but such experiences will help teens to become emotionally mature.

Children experience different emotions. Regardless if you are a parent, relative, guardian, or a teacher, the key to making sure that a child is emotionally healthy is by understanding their behavior and responding accordingly. Having a knowledge of the emotions will help to build a healthy self esteem, my book selfesteem from the inside out you can read in kindle will help you as a parent.