Children’s emotional needs change as they grow. Here are some simple ways to support your child at each stage, along with easy activities you can try at home:

🧸 Early Years (Ages 3–5)

• Offer lots of reassurance, comfort and affection
• Use simple language to help name feelings (happy, sad, worried)
• Keep routines predictable and consistent

Try this at home:

• 📖 Story time chats – Pause during stories to ask how characters feel
• 😊 Emotion faces game – Make different faces and guess the feeling
• 🎨 Feelings drawing – Draw pictures of “happy” or “sad” moments

🎒 Key Stage 1 (Ages 5–7)

• Talk regularly about feelings and daily experiences
• Encourage friendships and positive play
• Praise effort and build confidence

Try this at home:

• 💬 Daily check-in – Share “best and trickiest part of the day”
• 🌈 Calm-down box – Fill a box with colouring, fidget toys or books
• 🌬️ Balloon breathing – Pretend to blow up a balloon slowly

📘 Lower Key Stage 2 (Ages 7–9)

• Encourage children to talk openly about worries
• Support problem-solving and independence
• Help them understand that mistakes are part of learning

Try this at home:

• 📝 Worry box or journal – Write down worries and talk them through
• 🧩 Problem-solving chats – “What could we try next?”
• 🌿 Mindful moments – Short quiet time focusing on breathing or sounds

🌟 Upper Key Stage 2 (Ages 9–11)

• Have open conversations about emotions, change and growing up
• Support organisation and managing school expectations
• Encourage healthy independence while staying connected

Try this at home:

• 🚶 Walk and talk – Easier conversations away from screens
• 📅 Weekly planner – Help organise homework and reduce stress
• 📲 Digital check-ins – Talk about online experiences and friendships

💛 A Gentle Reminder

Every child develops at their own pace, and there is no “one size fits all” approach. The most important things are feeling listened to, supported and loved. If you ever have concerns, please reach out to school—we are here to help.

 

🚩 Spotting Early Warning Signs

As a parent or carer, you know your child best. Small changes in behaviour can sometimes be an early sign that a child may need extra support. Noticing these early can help you respond quickly and provide reassurance.

Look out for changes such as:

• Increased worry, anxiety or frequent fears
• Low mood, sadness or tearfulness
• Changes in sleep (difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual)
• Changes in appetite
• Becoming more withdrawn or quiet than usual
• Loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy
• Increased irritability, anger or frustration
• Difficulty concentrating or engaging in schoolwork
• Complaints of physical symptoms (e.g. headaches or tummy aches) without a clear cause

💛 What Can I Do If I Notice These Signs?

• Gently start a conversation and let your child know you’re there to listen
• Keep routines consistent and offer reassurance
• Avoid judgement—focus on understanding how they feel
• Give them time and space to talk when they are ready
• Seek advice early if concerns continue

💛 If you are ever unsure, trust your instincts. You are not expected to manage concerns alone—please speak to your child’s class teacher or contact the school. At Red Oaks, we are here to support both you and your child every step of the way.