At Preschool Readers, we know there are a variety of factors that affect a child’s learning process. As a way to remain up to date and informed on best practices, we have an Expert Interviews series. In this series, we interview experts who provide tips/tricks and suggestions for parents of preschoolers. We hope you enjoy our interview with Nekeshia Hammond, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist, Author, and Owner, Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A.

Name & Job Title: Nekeshia Hammond, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist, Author, and Owner, Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A.

What Services Do You Provide and Whom Do You Serve: Our office provides individual therapy, family therapy, and psychological testing for children, teens, families, and adults. My specialty is psychological evaluations – Gifted testing, learning disability evaluations, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and many more areas. Outside of the office, I often speak at events related to children and family issues.

What Is An Emotionally Healthy Preschooler: An emotionally healthy preschooler is a child who is thriving and happy! Children who feel good about themselves and are learning ways to deal with emotions can also be described as an “emotionally healthy” preschooler. Having lots of support, access to resources and enrichment activities can also contribute to an emotionally healthy preschooler.

What Are Some Signs We Can Look For To Determine How a Preschooler Is Feeling Emotionally:   In some preschoolers, you can “see” the emotions – smiling, frowning, crying, laughing, etc. But, in other preschoolers, they may be saying “I have a tummy ache, headache, backache” or some other type of body part aching because they may not know how to really express “I feel sad,” “I feel mad,” or “I feel scared.” Often times, you can also notice how a preschooler is feeling by their play. Are they wanting to play with others or withdrawing? Are many characters in their playtime routine often angry, sad, or nervous? Are they showing a desire to play and use their imagination?

What Are The Benefits Of Helping a Preschooler Understand Their Emotions: Helping preschoolers understand their emotions at a young age actually has benefits into adulthood! Many studies have found a link with the ability to regulate emotions early in life with later benefits into adulthood, such as increased emotional intelligence, ability to get along better with others, and in some cases more stability in relationships and employment. Of course, managing emotions isn’t the only factor in success, but it sure is an important one. Additionally, when preschoolers understand their emotions, they can display more self-control, concentrate better on academics, learn how to communicate positively with others, and thrive!

What Are Some Activities Preschoolers Can Participate In To Better Understand/Process Their Emotions: Parents reading stories and explaining what the characters feel (at an age-appropriate level) can help preschoolers learn about emotions. There are also many sites online with free games, activities, and printable worksheets and coloring pages that explain emotions. Some preschoolers also benefit from playgroups and other social activities to work on socializing with peers and managing their emotions related to turn-taking, sharing, working together, and building self-confidence. If you have tried all of the above, but your preschooler is still struggling to manage their emotions, play therapy may be another option to try.

What Books Do You Recommend Parents Read To Their Preschooler That Promotes Emotional Health: Two great books that I would recommend to parents of preschoolers to promote emotional health are the following…

• 1-2-3 A Calmer Me: Helping Children Cope When Emotions Get Out of Control by Colleen A. Patterson, MA, and Brenda Miles, PhD
• Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein, JD, PsyD and Shelly Hehenberger.

How Can Parents Connect With You: Our site www.HammondPsychology.com  has an active blog dedicated to issues affecting children and families.  Also, I’m really excited to announce my new Instagram page for parents: @practicalparenting for quick and easy tips for parenting.  I’m also on Twitter: @Dr_Hammond and FB: Dr. Nekeshia Hammond.

As an Amazon Associate, Preschool Readers may earn from qualifying purchases.