Imagine being in a storm and not knowing what a storm is. It's loud, chaotic, and scary—but you don’t know what it’s called or why it's happening.

This is what emotions can feel like for children.

They experience them intensely, but without the words to describe what they're going through, the feelings can become overwhelming or confusing. That's why one of the most powerful tools we can give a child is the ability to name their feelings. When we help children understand and articulate their emotions, we give them a sense of control and clarity. What was once just noise and confusion starts to make sense. The storm doesn’t disappear, but it becomes a little less frightening.

Often, we assume children misbehave when they're difficult, disruptive, or emotional—but in many cases, they're simply struggling with unspoken feelings. A child who lashes out might be feeling left out or embarrassed. One who withdraws might be feeling anxious or sad. When they don't have the words to describe these experiences, the emotions build up inside them until they come out in physical or behavioral ways. Teaching them emotional vocabulary is not about fixing their behavior—it's about helping them understand themselves.

Naming emotions is the foundation of emotional regulation. Neuroscience shows that when we name what we feel, the brain begins to calm itself. That’s why phrases like "I'm frustrated," or "I feel nervous" aren't just expressions—they're tools for grounding. Children who can identify their feelings are more likely to pause, reflect, and respond rather than react impulsively. And the earlier we teach this skill, the better equipped they'll be to navigate challenges throughout life.

This emotional awareness also deepens empathy. When children learn to recognize and name their own feelings, they become more attuned to the feelings of others. They start noticing when a classmate looks upset, when a sibling seems overwhelmed, or when a friend is unusually quiet. Instead of labeling others as "mean" or "boring," they learn to ask, "Are you okay?"—because they've learned how emotions feel from the inside.

As adults, we play a key role in shaping this learning. By modeling emotional language in everyday moments—"I'm feeling a little irritated right now," or "That must have felt disappointing"—we normalize the act of naming emotions. We create safe spaces for children to express themselves without fear of being judged or silenced. And in doing so, we lay the groundwork for lifelong emotional health.

When children grow up knowing how to name their feelings, they don't have to fear them. They won't bottle things up or turn inward in confusion. They'll be able to speak their truth, seek support, and process what they feel in healthier ways. So let's give them that language early—before the storm hits—so they know it, name it, and learn how to move through it