Understanding Emotional Development: Helping Early Childhood Providers Better Support Families

Abstract

This article is intended to provide early childhood providers with a concise overview of emerging emotional development in young children (birth–5), the important role of primary caregivers, and the link between parenting, emotional development, and behavior. Specific suggestions that have been shared with urban Head Start mothers are offered, including support from the literature as to why such suggestions are worthwhile to share with families. The importance of acknowledging the contributing role of teachers and parents in young children's emotional development is discussed.

Keywords:

• emotional development
• behavior
• parenting
• family support
• research and community partnerships

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Special thanks to Dr. Joan A. Lieber for her invaluable feedback and support, and to the Head Start staff and families who participated in this study.