The first five years of a child’s life are a time of incredible growth - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Among these early developments, emotional confidence stands out as a cornerstone for lifelong success. But what does emotional confidence really mean, why is it so crucial, and how does it develop during the early years?
At Milestones Early Learning, we prioritise fostering emotional confidence in every child, guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and our advanced Lifelong Learning Curriculum. In this post, we’ll explore what emotional confidence is, why it matters, how it develops, and the key milestones parents can expect during this crucial stage.
What Is Emotional Confidence in Early Childhood?
Emotional confidence is the ability to recognise, understand, and express emotions, as well as manage and regulate them in appropriate ways. It also includes understanding others’ emotions and developing self-esteem and resilience.
For young children, emotional confidence means:
- Feeling secure in themselves and their environment.
- Understanding their emotions and being able to express them constructively.
- Developing empathy and social skills to connect with others.
- Building the resilience needed to navigate challenges.
According to the Harvard Center on the Developing Child: The Science of Early Childhood Development, emotional development is closely tied to early brain development. During these critical years, a child’s ability to manage emotions and relate to others forms the foundation for future relationships, learning, and wellbeing.
Why Is Emotional Confidence Important Before Age 5?
Emotional confidence isn’t just about managing emotions - it’s about preparing children for life. Here are some key reasons why it matters:
- Building positive relationships: Emotional confidence helps children develop the social skills they need to form meaningful relationships with peers, educators, and family members.
- Navigating challenges: Resilience, a critical aspect of emotional confidence, enables children to cope with setbacks, whether it’s resolving a conflict with a friend or adapting to a new environment like starting school.
- Enhancing learning: A child who feels emotionally secure is better able to focus, explore, and engage in learning. The EYLF Outcome 1 emphasises that a strong sense of identity and confidence in themselves enables children to actively participate in their world.
- Long-term wellbeing: Research published by the American Academy of Pediatrics: Emotional Development in Early Childhood shows that early emotional skills are linked to better mental health and success in adulthood.
How Emotional Confidence Develops
Children develop emotional confidence through a combination of supportive relationships, play, and guided learning experiences. At Milestones, we focus on nurturing this growth through the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, which integrates emotional development into everyday routines. Here’s how it happens:
1. Secure Relationships
Children’s emotional confidence begins with feeling safe and loved. This sense of security is built through strong relationships with caregivers, educators, and family members. Our educators at Milestones prioritise creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel valued and supported.
- EYLF link: Outcome 1 (Children have a strong sense of identity) emphasises the importance of secure attachments for developing confidence.
2. Recognising and Expressing Emotions
Learning to identify and express emotions is a critical step in building emotional confidence. At Milestones, children engage in activities such as:
- Using emotion cards to recognise different feelings.
- Practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises to manage big emotions.
- Role-playing scenarios to explore how emotions impact interactions.
These activities help children understand their emotions and express them in constructive ways.
3. Developing Empathy and Social Skills
Emotional confidence includes understanding how actions affect others. Through group activities, collaborative play, and peer interactions, children at Milestones learn empathy, turn-taking, and conflict resolution. For example, storytime discussions where children identify how characters feel and why, helping them connect emotions to actions.
- EYLF link: Outcome 2 (Children are connected with and contribute to their world) focuses on developing respectful relationships and empathy.
4. Play-Based Learning
Play is a powerful tool for emotional development. It gives children the freedom to express themselves, practice resilience, and explore emotions in a safe space. For example:
- Imaginative play: role-playing games allow children to experiment with emotions and social scenarios.
- Art activities: painting or drawing gives children a creative outlet to express how they feel.
These experiences foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and confidence.
Key Emotional Confidence Milestones in the First Five Years
Every child is unique, but here are some general emotional milestones to look for as your child grows:
- By 12 months: Babies start to express joy, fear, and frustration. They form secure attachments with caregivers and seek comfort when upset.
- By 2 years: Toddlers begin recognising emotions in themselves and others. They may use simple words like “happy” or “sad” to express feelings.
- By 3 years: Children show empathy by comforting others. They also start to manage emotions like frustration with adult guidance.
- By 4 years: Preschoolers can identify a broader range of emotions and understand the consequences of their actions on others.
- By 5 years: Children demonstrate greater emotional control, resolve conflicts more effectively, and show confidence in group settings.
How Milestones Early Learning Supports Emotional Confidence
At Milestones, we are committed to nurturing emotional confidence in every child through:
- Caring educators: Our team builds trusting relationships with children, ensuring they feel safe and valued.
- Tailored programs: The Lifelong Learning Curriculum incorporates emotional resilience-building activities like mindfulness, storytelling, and group collaboration.
- Positive Living Skills program: This program focuses on teaching children how to recognise and manage emotions, build resilience, and develop a positive sense of self.
- Family partnerships: We work closely with families to create consistency between home and childcare, offering resources and guidance for emotional development.
Practical Tips for Parents to Foster Emotional Confidence at Home
Parents play an essential role in building emotional confidence. Here are some strategies to try at home:
- Name emotions: Help your child label their feelings, such as “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated.”
- Model emotional regulation: Show your child how you manage your own emotions calmly.
- Encourage problem-solving: When challenges arise, guide your child to find solutions, building resilience.
- Celebrate achievements: Praise your child’s efforts to build their confidence, even in small tasks.
- Create a calm environment: Establish predictable routines to help your child feel secure.
Giving Children the Tools They Need to Thrive
Emotional confidence is the foundation for a child’s social, emotional, and academic success. By fostering emotional skills in the early years, we give children the tools they need to thrive both now and in the future. At Milestones Early Learning, we are passionate about helping children grow into confident, resilient individuals through our nurturing environment, guided by the EYLF and our Lifelong Learning Curriculum.
Want to see how we support your child’s emotional development? Find your nearest childcare centre, book a tour and experience the Milestones difference firsthand.