Summary

We have seen that during the age range 2 to 5 year, more complex emotions are developing and the child is also learning to recognise the emotions of others. Whilst this can be overwhelming in the younger children in this age group, as they develop their intellectual and language skills, so they become more able to regulate and express their emotional as well as physical needs. The relationship of the child to their parents and carers remains the most important factor in supporting the child’s emotional development.

Learning to regulate their emotions is an essential task of development if children are to cope with the complex range of situations that they will encounter in their lives. Some of which may be very stressful.