2.5y–4.2y12 minQuiet timeFamily timeSocial play
Feelings: All OK. Behaviours: Choices.
Coach the adult to name many feelings with your child, validate that feelings are acceptable (including anger), and clearly separate feelings from behaviour choices and boundaries.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper and a pen or crayon
- a pillow or soft cushion (for safe ‘angry’ practise)
Nice to have
- a mirror (optional)
- a timer/phone (optional)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExpresses feelings through words or actionsHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneNames own feelingsHeart· 3y–4y· core
- MilestoneCalms with adult helpHeart· 20mo–3.2y· stretch
- MilestoneUses movement to express feelings.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneExpresses situation-appropriate emotionsHeart· 3y–5y· stretch
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Name and talk about a wide range of feelings and make it clear that all feelings are understandable and acceptable, including feeling angry, but that not all behaviours are.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)