What's your number one question about personal development?


Unlocking Emotional Intelligence: Why Allowing Kids To Express Their Emotions Can Lead To A Healthier Future

By Jose Lizama

Updated on Friday 19th of May 2023

What's your number one question about self-improvement?


In today's society, children are often expected to be miniature adults. They're expected to handle stressors and cope with emotions the same way as grown-ups. However, the truth is that kids need to be allowed to express their emotions freely in order to have a healthy relationship with their emotional intelligence.

The affirmation, "I do not set boundaries for my kids' expressions of emotions", is powerful. It opens up a world of emotional intelligence for both children and parents alike. When parents encourage their children to understand and honor their feelings, it teaches them valuable life skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

The good news is that when children are allowed to express their emotions freely, they learn to self-regulate. Self-regulation is the ability to manage one's emotions and behavior in different situations. It's essentially self-control. And when children learn to self-regulate, they're able to handle difficult situations more effectively and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Another benefit of allowing children to express their emotions freely is that they learn how to communicate more effectively. When kids are taught to articulate their feelings, they're better able to handle conflicts and misunderstandings. Emotions can sometimes be complicated, but the ability to express them makes it easier to navigate through those challenging situations.

Just imagine, if a child is always told to suppress their emotions, they may start to feel as if their feelings don't matter. They may begin to feel that nobody wants to listen to them or value their perspectives. Suppressing emotions in childhood can lead to long-term negative impacts in adulthood, like struggles with anger management or difficulty in maintaining healthy relationships.

When parents allow their children to express their emotions, they open the door to deeper connections. Children who feel acknowledged and heard are better equipped to form healthy relationships later in life. Kids who know their emotions matter are more likely to feel seen, heard, and valued- and this is an essential aspect of any strong relationship.

In conclusion, it's important to honor children's emotions rather than suppress them. When parents encourage their children to understand and express their emotions, it sets children on the road to emotional intelligence. It teaches them the importance of self-regulation, communication, and connection. So, if you want to raise emotionally healthy kids who aren't afraid to express themselves, remember the affirmation: "I do not set boundaries for my kids' expressions of emotions."