ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the emotional development of young children, including their self-confidence and self-awareness. This involves children becoming confident to try new activities, and developing the preferences, understanding and language which enable them to communicate why they like some activities more than others. The term 'self-esteem' is usually used to mean that people have a favourable opinion of their own worth or are 'happy in their own skins'. Anxious, excited, angry or nervous children can be taught a simple relaxation approach. Children feel most secure and confident with clear routines and boundaries. Most responses such as running aimlessly, clinginess, regression to earlier forms of behaviour, increased sensitivity to loud noises, loss of appetite and confusion are to be expected and part of the normal reactions of a young child to an abnormal event such as a traumatic disaster or shock.
