In terms of emotional development, how do preschoolers typically function?

Preschoolers are in a developmental stage where they are beginning to explore and understand their own emotions, but they often do so with a limited ability to clearly recognize or label those feelings. At this age, children may experience a wide range of emotions, yet they might not have the vocabulary or self-awareness to articulate them effectively. This can lead to situations where they express feelings like frustration, sadness, or excitement without fully understanding what those emotions mean or where they originate from.

This struggle to recognize and understand their emotions can also contribute to challenges in managing those feelings and responding to the emotions of others. As they grow older and develop greater emotional intelligence, children will typically become more adept at identifying and expressing their emotions accurately. In contrast, other options would imply a level of emotional comprehension or stability that is typically not present at this age.