When Words Don’t Exist: Why Children Struggle to Express and What Parents Must Learn to Do Instead
- ADMIN
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 1
Imagine living in a world where you can only name three colors.
Sounds unbelievable? But it’s true for some cultures.
For example, the Dani tribe of Papua, the Himba of Namibia, and a few other ancient cultures have words for only two or three colors—typically black (dark), white (light), and sometimes red. To them, other colors exist, but without names, they are indistinct and hard to express.
This linguistic limitation isn’t just about color. It’s about perception. Because language shapes how we categorize, feel, and think about the world around us.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting—and very relevant for you as a parent.
What Colors Are to Them, Emotions and Thoughts Are to Children
Children in their early years are much like these tribes. They see, feel, and experience a world full of emotions, but they don’t yet have the language to describe them.
They might feel frustration, but call it “angry.”
They might feel anxious, but cry instead.
They may want comfort, but throw a tantrum.
Why? Because language development in children is still taking shape.
Just like the Dani people can’t express “blue” or “green” because the words don’t exist, your child may not be able to say “I’m feeling ignored,” or “I’m overwhelmed,” or “I’m afraid you’ll leave me.”
They just don’t have the vocabulary yet.
But they’re feeling it all.
This Is Why Parental Sensitivity Is Non-Negotiable
In these early stages of emotional and language development, parents must become interpreters of their child’s inner world.
Here’s how:
Observe body language. Restlessness, clinging, avoiding eye contact, or silence often say more than words ever could.
Tune into tone. A change in voice pitch or volume often reveals emotional states like fear, excitement, or sadness.
Stay close—physically and emotionally. Parental presence gives children a safe space to feel without needing to explain.
Name the feeling for them. “You’re crying. Are you sad that your toy broke?” This builds their emotional vocabulary over time.
Presence Over Perfection
In this crucial phase, your child doesn’t need you to be perfect.
They need you to be present.
To hold them when they can’t express.
To be patient when they can only cry.
To recognize that every behavior is a message in disguise.
The Foundation Is Laid Early
The first five years are not just about walking and talking.
They are about emotional wiring, self-worth, and trust. When parents learn to understand children without words, they build bonds that last a lifetime.
Your child will grow.
Their language will develop.
But until then, your ability to “see the blue” before they know the word for it—that’s what truly makes the difference.
Key Takeaways:
Children cannot express many emotions because their language is still developing.
Cultures with limited vocabulary show how our ability to describe shapes our ability to understand.
Parents must learn to read non-verbal cues and respond with presence and empathy.
Emotional development in early childhood depends deeply on parental sensitivity, closeness, and naming emotions for the child.
Want to understand your child better?
Follow our blog for more on parenting psychology, emotional development in children, and practical strategies to build stronger parent-child connections.
Want to Read More Like This?
If this blog helped you see parenting from a new perspective, there’s so much more waiting for you.
Explore more insightful blogs on parenting psychology, child development, and emotional connection at girishpanicker.com
Also, check out this related article: https://girishpaniker.com/how-belief-systems-are-formed-in-children-and-how-parents-can-build-positive-beliefs-that-last/
Understanding this will help you go even deeper into how children shape their self-image based on what they repeatedly hear and experience.
Let’s raise emotionally strong, confident children—one conscious step at a time.
Comments