A child who can identify, understand, and express their emotions is far better equipped to handle stress and avoid burnout than a child who cannot. Building this “emotional literacy” is a fundamental parenting task and a cornerstone of mental health.
This concept is woven throughout the advice of clinical psychologist Meghna Kanwat. When she speaks of “open communication” and “emotional responsiveness,” she is describing a process that builds a child’s emotional vocabulary. A parent who says, “It sounds like you’re feeling really frustrated and overwhelmed,” is giving their child the words to understand their internal experience.
A child with high emotional literacy can recognize the early signs of burnout in themselves. They can articulate feelings of fatigue or cynicism before they become debilitating. This allows them to seek help sooner and gives parents a clearer window into their well-being.
Parents can foster this skill by normalizing conversations about feelings in the home. Talk about your own emotions in an age-appropriate way, and encourage your child to do the same. This creates an environment where emotions are seen not as weaknesses to be hidden, but as important sources of information.
By investing in their child’s emotional literacy, parents are providing them with a powerful, lifelong tool for self-awareness and self-regulation. It is a foundational skill that enhances resilience and provides a robust defense against the emotional exhaustion of burnout.
