Teach the Fix Before the Feel: Why Solving Problems Matters More Than Naming Emotions (For Kids)

In this eye-opening episode of Family Matters with Instructor Mike, we challenge one of the most common—and often misunderstood—practices in early childhood development: the overemphasis on naming feelings.

What if young children don’t need to name every emotion…

What if they just need to learn how to fix the problem?

Drawing from developmental science, cognitive theory, and years of real-life parenting and educator experience, Instructor Mike breaks down why solving problems should come before emotional reflection—and how well-meaning adults may actually be training kids to dwell instead of grow.

You’ll learn:

• Why children “act out” instead of reflect (and why that’s normal)

• How adults accidentally reinforce emotional loops instead of emotional growth

• What Piaget, Vygotsky, and Barrett really teach us about problem-solving and emotional construction

• Practical ways to teach skill over sorrow in daily situations

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, this episode will shift the way you think about feelings, fix-it moments, and what emotional intelligence really looks like in the early years.

🎧 Listen in and discover how to train up children who don’t just feel better—but know how to do better.