How can I gently teach my child that it is okay to express emotions? 

Parenting Perspective 

The first step in teaching emotional expression is to demonstrate it yourself. I feel a bit sad today, so I need some quiet is a calm way to name your sentiments that your child can observe. Encourage not only positive feelings but all of them. When your child shows signs of grief, irritation, or anxiety, acknowledge them rather than brush them off by saying, It is okay to feel that rather than, You are fine. Distinguish between positive and negative emotions. Provide age-appropriate simple emotion terms, such as bashful, glad, furious, and exhausted. With time, they will discover that feelings are natural and should not be suppressed or repressed. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Islamic faith acknowledges the whole range of human emotions. The prophets cried, were sad, and were compassionate. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al An’aam (6), Verse 12: 

‘He has decreed upon Himself, the (ultimate right) of mercy… ‘

This mercy includes our emotional lives. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2319, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘He who does not show mercy to our children is not one of us. ‘

Children learn that expressing their feelings is not only acceptable in the eyes of Allah Almighty but also safe when you respond to their screams and struggles with compassion.