Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Development, from the Therapist

When it comes to our children’s development, it’s easy to focus on the things we can see - first steps, first words, learning to read. But just as important are the things we can’t see as clearly: their feelings, their relationships, and their sense of self. Social and emotional development is the foundation for how kids understand the world, cope with challenges, and connect with others.

At Balance Treatment, we often hear questions from parents and caregivers:
"Isn’t it too early to focus on mental and emotional health?"
"Don’t kids naturally figure this stuff out as they grow?"
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To help answer these questions, we spoke with Jenny Rogge, LMFT, a therapist at Balance Treatment Center, who specializes in working with children and families.

What Is Social and Emotional Development?

“Social and emotional development is all about how children understand and manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and develop empathy,” explains Jenny. “It’s not something that happens overnight. It’s shaped through everyday experiences, especially at home.”

From sharing toys at preschool to expressing frustration without melting down, these moments build emotional resilience. When we help kids name their feelings, set boundaries, and problem-solve, we’re giving them lifelong tools for success, not just in school, but in relationships and overall well-being.

Why It’s Important to Start Early

Social and emotional development doesn’t just prepare children for kindergarten; it prepares them for life. The earlier we begin nurturing these skills, the stronger the foundation we build for future mental health, relationships, and even academic success.

Jenny emphasizes: “Early childhood is when the brain is most adaptable. It’s a critical time for learning how to express emotions, manage frustration, and connect with others in healthy ways. The earlier kids start practicing these skills, the more natural they become.”

Starting early also helps prevent future struggles from becoming deeply rooted. By building emotional awareness and resilience from the beginning, children are more likely to grow into teens and adults who can handle life’s challenges with confidence and care.

Common Misconceptions from Parents

Jenny hears it often: “They’re just too young to understand emotions,” or “They’ll grow out of it.” While it’s true that children are still developing emotional awareness, that doesn’t mean they’re not deeply feeling and learning from the world around them.

“In reality, young kids are incredibly receptive. When we slow down and meet them where they are, without expecting them to act like little adults, they thrive emotionally,” she shares. “There’s no such thing as ‘too early’ to nurture a child’s emotional world.”

What Can Parents Do at Home?

Supporting your child’s emotional development doesn’t require a degree in psychology. It starts with small, everyday moments.

Here are a few tips Jenny often shares with families:

• Name the feeling. “You’re frustrated because your tower fell. That makes sense.” This helps children recognize and label emotions.
• Model emotional regulation. If you're feeling stressed and take a few deep breaths, talk about it: “I’m taking a minute to calm down.”
• Create space for connection. Set aside time for one-on-one activities, even if it’s just a few minutes of reading or drawing together.
• Let them try, and sometimes fail. Growth comes from learning how to bounce back with support, not avoiding all discomfort.

When Should You Seek Extra Support?

Not every bump in the road means your child needs therapy. But sometimes, those bumps don’t smooth out with time and love alone. Jenny encourages parents to pay attention to patterns that persist or interfere with everyday life, such as frequent outbursts, withdrawal, trouble with peers, or excessive worry.

“Therapy is not about fixing a ‘broken’ child,” she says. “It’s about creating a safe, structured space where they can be heard, understood, and supported in new ways.”

A Final Word of Encouragement

There’s no perfect parent. And there’s no perfect formula for raising emotionally healthy kids. But Jenny reminds us: “When we’re willing to learn alongside our children, show up with compassion, and ask for help when needed. That’s when real growth happens.”

Want to Know More or Have Questions?

We expect you have many questions. Let us work to get those questions answered for you. Our Balance Treatment team is ready to talk and help you with the next step—whether it’s understanding your child’s needs or exploring support options that feel right for your family.