Emotional Health

SEED Early Childhood Educational Blog

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Author Samantha Donnelly

Keywords: Emotional Health Mental Health Emotions Feelings Children Difficult Feelings

9 March 2026

Emotional health is the set of skills and beliefs that shape a child’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It is essential that a child’s emotional needs are met from an early age so that they can gain the skills they need to develop emotionally and cope with everyday life in adulthood. But at times, it can be challenging for parents to know how best to support an anxious and upset child.

Why is Emotional Health Important?

Emotional health, also called ‘emotional wellbeing’, is an aspect of mental health. Emotional health is the set of skills and belief systems that shape thoughts, feelings and behaviours. These skills and beliefs can shape how we feel about ourselves and the world around us, however that can change depending on the circumstances. The child’s responses to their skills and beliefs are all part of emotional health, which is the child’s ability to understand, manage, and express emotions, and it is these responses which impact how a child navigates relationships, handles difficulties and finds meaning.

Good emotional health helps us to navigate the ups and downs of day-to-day life

Good emotional health helps us to navigate the ups and downs of day-to-day life and can protect against mental health conditions. A child’s emotional health not only impacts their everyday life but also their relationships and education. Emotional health also has an impact on the child’s brain and body. When emotional health is strong, it supports confidence, connection and contentment with life, but when it is weakened, it can affect the child’s perspective. [4][1][2][7]

Mental Health vs. Emotional Health

Emotional health and mental health are not the same thing; in fact, emotional health is an aspect of mental health. It could be the case that a child diagnosed with a mental health condition may display strong emotional health, while others with no formal diagnosis of a mental health condition may demonstrate that their emotional health is not strong. [2]

Benefits of Being Emotionally Healthy

Every child experiences difficult emotions, but how they manage those emotions can mould their long-term emotional health. A child being emotionally healthy means they have the ability to understand, manage and express their emotions in an age-appropriate way. Emotional health involves self-awareness, empathy and coping skills. Emotionally healthy children can handle stressful situations, bounce back from setbacks and build strong relationships. Having good emotional health is crucial for helping children develop and maintain relationships because their skills and beliefs impact the quality of their relationships. [2][7][3][1]

Triggers and Factors Affecting Emotional Health

Generally, children grow up emotionally healthy, however some children require extra support. Unmanaged negative feelings and emotions can become overwhelming and can disrupt the child’s daily functioning. This can also impact their relationships, decision-making and physical health.

Understanding that at particular times children require additional support means that they don’t have to face difficult times alone. Many different triggers and factors can adversely affect children’s emotional health, including:

• Lack of affection from parents

• Significant events in their home or family

• Poverty

• Abuse

• Bullying

• Educational transitions

• Trauma

• Illness

As an adult, being observant is crucial, so concerns can be addressed as soon as possible. [2][4][1][6]

How Do Children Express Their Feelings?

How Do Children Express Their Feelings?

Children may display feelings of sadness, distress and frustration in many different ways, such as:

• Crying

• Shouting

• Throwing items

• Deliberately breaking items

• Hitting

• Biting

• Social withdrawal

• Separation anxiety

• Toileting regression

• Sleep problems

• Speech regression

• Overeating or undereating. [7][2]

Coping with Anger, Fear and Anxiety

Feelings like anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, grief, and loneliness are natural responses to life events, and they’re not harmful in themselves. Often, anger and fear can stem from similar sources, such as feeling unsafe or powerless. Anxiety can manifest when there is a sense of feeling overwhelmed, uncertainty, or a loss of control. Ongoing anxiety can be tiring and difficult. For young children, acknowledging their emotions and allowing time to discuss feelings and emotions can make a big difference. This can reduce feelings of isolation. Creating boundaries can also support a sense of security. [2][3]

Things to help

Physical health is of equal importance to emotional health, and good mental health allows children to develop resilience, enabling them to cope with the ups and downs of life. Additional things that can help to keep children and young people emotionally healthy:

• A healthy diet

• Regular exercise

• Freedom to play

• Space to learn

• Space to rest

• Feeling loved

• Feeling trusted

• Feeling affirmed

• Feeling safe

• Have a sense of belonging

• Attending an educational setting that offers support

• Extracurricular activities

• Good manners

• Self-awareness

• Understanding their strengths

• Independence

• Social opportunities

• Meaningful friendships

• Professional intervention

It is not always clear why some children need ongoing support. But it is important for adults to recognise the need and to contact your GP. [7][6][5][2]

References

[1] The Centre for Emotional Health What is Emotional Health https://www.centreforemotionalhealth.org.uk/emotional-health/what-is-emotional-health/

[2] Mentalhealth Emotional Health https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/emotional-health

[3] London Waiting Room NHS Mental and Emotional Health https://londonwaitingroom.nhs.uk/mental-and-emotional-health

[4] London Waiting Room NHS Mental and Emotional Health https://londonwaitingroom.nhs.uk/mental-and-emotional-health

[5] MK Children’s Health NHS Emotional wellbeing, mental health for children | Milton Keynes Childrens Health https://www.mkchildrenshealth.cnwl.nhs.uk/children/health-and-wellbeing-zone/emotional-wellbeing/

[6] Barnsley Health Service Children's emotional health and wellbeing https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/health-and-wellbeing/children-and-young-peoples-health/childrens-emotional-health-and-wellbeing/

[7] NDNA Supporting Children's emotional well being England.pdf https://ndna.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Supporting-Childrens-emotional-well-being-England.pdf

Author: Samantha Donnelly BA(Hons)MA

Samantha Donnelly is an Early Childhood Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience working with children, specialising in Early Childhood Education. Samantha is the founder of SEED Early Childhood Educational Blog.

SEED Early Childhood is an independent educational blog created with this mission: to provide free, professional insights into child development and education for parents.

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SEED Early Childhood is the Educational blog founded by Samantha Donnelly to bring professionals to you.

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