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all_early_childhoodTheir emotional wellbeing is nurtured

expresses feelings and needs during familiar peer or adult interactions

Observe whether the child: expresses feelings and needs during familiar peer or adult interactions.

What it looks like

Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.

Emerging

Just starting

In a predictable moment, the child tries to communicate feelings or needs before the moment escalates. The behaviour needs adult scaffolding to stay connected to the purpose.

What you might see

  • The child moves close to a trusted adult and nods when the adult names the feeling.
  • When a turn is delayed, the child frowns, says one word, and accepts a timer.
  • The child lets an adult offer two choices and reaches for one.

Expected

On track

During waiting, comfort, conflict, or settling, the child follows through long enough for a kaiako or whānau member to observe the intent and outcome.

What you might see

  • The child says “I need help” and brings the stuck item to an adult before yelling.
  • The child chooses the quiet cushion after covering ears during a loud song.
  • The child accepts a plan for a later turn.

Exceeding

Going further

The child turns the immediate moment into a richer plan, repair, explanation, or shared investigation.

What you might see

  • The child explains what caused the upset and asks for a timer so both children can have a turn.
  • The child tells an adult what support would help during a difficult transition.
  • The child suggests a repair, such as giving back the toy and trying a different role.

Try this at home

Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.

  • Make one part of waiting, comfort, conflict, or settling slightly different from usual. Track signs of noticing, planning, and adjustment.

  • Put a peer or toy character into the scene; watch for inclusion, care, boundary-setting, or shared problem solving.

Where this comes from

The dataset source and any supporting developmental research.

  • Ministry of Education. (2017). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum.

    The bicultural early childhood curriculum of Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga (NZ Ministry of Education), 2017 revision.