Ever had your little one burst into tears because their banana broke in half? Or watched a full meltdown unfold after a busy day? While it might feel overwhelming in the moment, these emotional outbursts are not signs that something is wrong—they’re actually signs that your child’s brain is developing just as it should.
At Star Smiles Nursery, we understand that big emotions are a natural—and necessary—part of early childhood. Neuroscience expert Dr. Catherine Gueguen reminds us that the brains of young children are still under construction. The prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that helps with decision-making, impulse control, and empathy—is not fully developed until later in childhood.
That’s why toddlers and preschoolers often struggle to manage frustration, sadness, or excitement. But here’s the encouraging part: when children are allowed to safely express their emotions in a nurturing environment, their brains begin to build the pathways needed for emotional regulation.
As described in The Book of Sustainable Education, supportive responses to emotional expression don’t just comfort a child in the moment—they actively shape a more resilient, emotionally intelligent brain for the future.
So the next time your child has a big reaction, remember: they’re not misbehaving—they’re growing. And at Star Smiles Nursery, we’re here to help them navigate every emotional wave with compassion, guidance, and care.
