Which is an example of a supportive practice for children's emotional development?

Validating feelings is a supportive practice for children's emotional development because it helps children understand that their emotions are acknowledged and respected. When caregivers or educators validate a child's feelings, they create a safe space for children to express their emotions freely. This acceptance contributes to the child's self-esteem and helps them learn to recognize and manage their emotions effectively.

Validating feelings also fosters emotional intelligence, as it teaches children that experiencing a range of emotions is normal and that it's okay to express those feelings in appropriate ways. By encouraging children to articulate their feelings, they become more adept at coping with emotions, resolving conflicts, and developing empathy for others, all essential components of healthy emotional development.

In contrast, the other choices focus on practices that can hinder emotional growth. Emotional suppression, criticism of emotional expressions, and forcing children to conceal their feelings can lead to confusion, increased anxiety, or difficulty in recognizing and handling their emotions in the future.