Empowering Young Minds: Understanding and Supporting Emotional Well-Being in Children

Recognising the Signs of Anxiety in Young Children

From the perspective of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) working in SEN and mainstream primary education, I have witnessed a significant shift in our classrooms over the past few years. As a teaching assistant with over thirty-five years of experience, I’ve observed a steady rise in young children—some as young as three or four—showing signs of anxiety, low confidence, and difficulty managing their emotions.

These aren’t rare cases anymore. Many of our youngest learners are grappling with worries and pressures that seem far beyond their years. It often starts subtly. Children may be withdrawn, tearful, complain of tummy aches, or avoid certain activities. If these signs are missed or misunderstood, they can grow into more serious emotional challenges later.

Understanding Anxiety in Early Childhood

Anxiety in young children doesn’t always manifest in ways we recognise as adults. Instead, it can show up as:

• Sudden clinginess or difficulty separating from parents

• Changes in speech or regression in communication

• Avoiding group play or social situations

• Acting out, refusing activities, or struggling to settle in

  
  

These behaviours are not “naughty” or “difficult.” They are often messages from a child who feels overwhelmed but doesn’t yet have the words to explain why. That’s why early understanding and emotional teaching are so important.

Why Early Intervention Matters

By the time children reach Key Stage One, many emotional habits and coping patterns are already forming. If a child learns early on that their feelings are noticed, named, and supported, they build resilience. However, if those feelings are ignored or misunderstood, anxiety and avoidance can become deeply rooted.

Research shows that early childhood is the most crucial time for developing emotional well-being. It’s when children start forming their sense of self—how they see themselves, others, and the world around them. This is why emotional learning should sit right alongside reading and maths. Helping children understand and manage emotions early on gives them the confidence and security they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

The Role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is at the heart of helping children grow emotionally strong. SEL teaches skills like empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation—skills that affect every area of a child’s life.

From my experience, when SEL is part of the everyday classroom experience, children become more confident, engaged, and kind. They start to express themselves better, understand others, and cope with challenges in healthy ways.

The Power of Language, Stories, and Discussion

One of the most effective tools I’ve found to help children talk about feelings is storytelling. The right story can do far more than entertain; it can open up safe, meaningful conversations.

When we read together, we can pause and ask:

• “How do you think that character felt?”

• “What would you do if that happened to you?”

• “Why do you think he was sad?”

  
  

Through stories, children can explore emotions in a gentle, indirect way. They begin to see that feelings are normal, manageable, and worth talking about.

The Impact of Daily Acts of Kindness

Kindness is one of the most powerful tools we have to support emotional well-being. It doesn’t need to be big or complicated—just small, daily acts that show care and thoughtfulness:

• Helping a friend tidy up

• Saying something kind

• Including someone who feels left out

• Thanking others

  
  

When kindness becomes a habit in the classroom (and at home), children feel safer and more valued. Anxiety often reduces, friendships grow stronger, and children become more willing to participate and try new things. Kindness, empathy, and connection aren’t “extra” skills; they are essential life tools.

A Personal Reflection

In my career, I’ve seen first-hand how early emotional education changes lives. I’ve witnessed children who once cried every morning blossom into confident leaders. I’ve seen children with additional needs begin to open up and shine once their feelings were truly seen and respected.

When we create emotionally safe spaces—where children feel understood and supported—they flourish.

A Resource to Support You and Your Child

To help children explore these ideas, I’ve written a social story called “Have You Helped Someone Sparkle Today?” It’s an interactive picture book for ages 3–7. This book is designed to build emotional understanding, empathy, and daily acts of kindness through discussion-based learning.

The book includes discussion text on every page to encourage children to think, question, and share their feelings. There are also free downloadable resources—including Secret Sparkle Challenges, Sparkle Trackers, and Certificates—to keep the learning going at home or in the classroom.

Every child deserves the chance to sparkle—and that begins with feeling safe, understood, and emotionally supported.

Find out more:

🌐 www.stephaniebradleyauthor.com

📸 Instagram: @stephaniebradleyauthor

📧 Email: stephaniebradleyauthor@gmail.com

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