What kind of language can I use daily to help build emotional awareness in my child without turning it into a lesson? 

Parenting Perspective 

Gentle Noticing 

Children pick up emotional vocabulary through context, tone, and repetition, much like they do spoken language. Emotions do not have to be used as teaching tools. Rather, incorporate gentle noticing into routine situations. I saw your face scrunch up, or I feel proud of you for sticking with that even when it was tricky, are some possible responses. Through straightforward observation, these remarks assist a child in understanding their inner world. 

Modelling, Not Lecturing 

Additionally, you can express your feelings in brief, controllable ways, such as, I am taking a deep breath to feel more steady because I am feeling a little anxious about this meeting. Your child learns that emotions are normal and not dangerous when they witness that they can be expressed without shame. Refrain from questioning them or correcting their feelings. Try saying, Looks like something upset you, rather than, Do not be angry. Do you want to sit for a while or just talk? This maintains security. Your soothing observations eventually take on the role of the voice in their minds that enables them to identify, control, and communicate what is happening inside. They are not being lectured by you. You are imparting to them a heart language that will last a lifetime. 

Spiritual Insight 

According to the Sunnah, the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ constantly names and addresses emotions, not to control them but to reassure people. He remained with the emotion, honoured it, and responded to it tenderly when he witnessed a small child mourning his pet bird rather than brushing it off or diverting his attention. Allah Almighty affirms this emotional depth in the noble Quran. In Surah Al Inshirah (94), Verse 5, He says: 

“Thus with (every) hardship there is facilitation (from Allah Almighty).” 

Pain is not denied in this verse. It accepts it and combines it with optimism. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2609, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

“The strong is not the one who throws others down, but the one who controls himself when angry. “

You are teaching your child’s soul to recognise truth, sensitivity, and self-mastery when you use emotionally conscious language in everyday situations. This goes beyond simply expanding their vocabulary. That is the purest form of Tarbiyyah.