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all_early_childhoodTheir emotional wellbeing is nurtured

expresses feelings and needs during familiar peer or adult interactions

Observe whether the child: expresses feelings and needs during familiar peer or adult interactions.

What it looks like

Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.

Emerging

Just starting

The first sign is brief: a request, movement, mark, pause, or offer that points toward feelings and trusted support.

What you might see

  • When a turn is delayed, the child frowns, says one word, and accepts a timer.
  • The child lets an adult offer two choices and reaches for one.
  • The child holds a comfort object after a noisy moment and stays nearby while settling.

Expected

On track

In familiar activity, the child handles a feeling, preference, or need with a purposeful choice, word, gesture, movement, or material action. Another person can see why it matters.

What you might see

  • The child chooses the quiet cushion after covering ears during a loud song.
  • The child names disappointment and accepts a plan for a later turn.
  • The child tells a peer “I’m still using it” and waits beside the adult for support.

Exceeding

Going further

In a more complex moment, the child combines the focus with planning, care for others, or explanation. Follow-through remains visible.

What you might see

  • The child tells an adult what support would help during a difficult transition.
  • The child suggests a repair, such as giving back the toy and trying a different role.
  • The child notices frustration early, takes space, and comes back with a calmer voice.

Try this at home

Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.

  • Offer quiet cushion for a real purpose and wait before helping. Pay attention to how a feeling, preference, or need shapes the next step.

  • After the first attempt, ask one open question and then go quiet; see whether the child revises, demonstrates, or continues.

Where this comes from

The dataset source and any supporting developmental research.

  • Ministry of Education. (2017). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum.

    The bicultural early childhood curriculum of Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga (NZ Ministry of Education), 2017 revision.