How Emotion Words Impact Children’s Emotion Learning: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know

Understanding emotions is an essential part of a child's development. From a young age, children start recognizing and naming emotions, and this helps them navigate their own feelings and connect with others. But how do they learn to recognize and understand these emotions? A recent study by Ogren, LoBue, and Sandhofer (2025) sheds light on a fascinating piece of the puzzle: the impact of emotion words on children’s emotion learning.

What the Study Found

The study, titled "How do emotion words impact children’s emotion learning?" published in Developmental Psychology, explores how the words we use to talk about emotions influence how children learn and understand them. Specifically, the research highlights how language can shape emotional development and emotional intelligence.

The researchers found that when adults use specific emotion words—like "happy," "angry," or "excited"—with children, it helps children learn to identify and label their feelings more effectively. These words don't just name emotions; they give children a way to understand and talk about their experiences, which is crucial for emotional regulation, empathy, and social interactions.

Why Emotion Words Matter

For parents and teachers, this finding underscores the importance of the language we use around children. It’s easy to overlook how powerful words can be, but the study suggests that using emotion words in conversation can make a big difference in helping children understand their own feelings.

• Emotion words help children label their feelings: When children can label their emotions, they become better equipped to express themselves. For example, saying "You look upset" or "I can see you're feeling frustrated" gives children the words they need to explain how they feel. This isn’t just about making them feel understood—it helps them recognize emotions in themselves and others.

  
  

• Emotion words teach emotional vocabulary: The more children hear different emotion words, the broader their emotional vocabulary becomes. Instead of only knowing “happy” or “sad,” they begin to understand emotions like "guilty," "nervous," or "jealous." This allows them to communicate more precisely and understand the nuances of emotions.

  
  

• Emotion words encourage empathy: When children can name their own emotions, they are more likely to recognize emotions in others. For example, if a child hears an adult say, “She’s feeling worried because she has a big test,” they start to learn to empathize with others’ feelings. This enhances social skills and builds better relationships.

What This Means for Parents and Teachers

As adults guiding children through their emotional development, there are simple ways to incorporate emotion words into daily interactions. Here are some practical tips:

1. Model Emotional Expression

Children learn by observing adults. Show them how to express your own emotions in a healthy way. Instead of just saying, “I’m feeling fine,” you can say, “I’m feeling a bit stressed today because I have a lot of work to do, but I know I’ll get it done.” This teaches children that it's okay to talk about difficult feelings.

2. Use Specific Emotion Words

Instead of saying something like, “You’re being bad,” try something more specific, such as “I can see you’re angry because you didn’t get what you wanted.” This helps the child understand that anger is a feeling, not a behavior. It’s about identifying the emotion behind the action.

3. Create Opportunities for Emotional Conversations

Ask your child how they are feeling throughout the day. You might say, “How did you feel when your friend didn’t want to play with you?” This gives children the chance to express their emotions and practice using the words they’re learning.

4. Validate Their Emotions

When children express their feelings, it’s important to acknowledge them. Saying things like, “I can see you’re upset, and that’s okay,” lets children know that all emotions are valid. This fosters emotional security and teaches children that it’s okay to feel a wide range of emotions.

5. Read Books and Tell Stories

Reading books that discuss emotions can be a great way to expand a child's emotional vocabulary. Stories with characters who experience different emotions help children see that emotions are a natural part of life.

Why It’s Important to Start Early

The earlier children start learning about emotions, the better equipped they are to handle social and emotional challenges later in life. Emotion words are the foundation for emotional intelligence—a key skill for navigating relationships, school, and life in general.

For example, children who can label and discuss their emotions tend to have better self-regulation skills. They are also more likely to engage in positive social behaviors, like comforting a friend who is sad or asking for help when they are upset.

Ogren, LoBue, and Sandhofer’s study highlights the profound effect that emotion words can have on a child’s emotional development. By simply using specific emotion words, parents and teachers can help children build a stronger emotional vocabulary, understand their feelings, and develop empathy toward others.

For parents and teachers, incorporating these strategies into everyday life can foster emotional intelligence and create an environment where children feel understood and supported. Whether you're having a conversation about feelings at home, in the classroom, or in play, remember that the words you choose can make a world of difference in helping children navigate their emotional worlds.