In the 1950's and 1960's when I was raising my kids, I had no clue how important my kids "feelings" were.
My husband and I taught our children what we learned from our parents.
Our children were told they were loved, every day.
Literally, " I love you".
They were fed, whatever we chose for a meal, not what they asked for.
Certainly, we knew what they liked and tried to accommodate those tastes.
Still, I did not run a "fast food" kitchen, nor even a restaurant.
They ate what was on the table.
And we all ate together, and talked about the day, or any other subject that was brought up.
Granted, the younger ones had to be encouraged to speak up.
What a wonderful "teaching" time this was.
I was a "stay at home" mom.
All of the housework was done by the family, collectively.
I taught them to cook, iron, sew on buttons (even the boys), grow a garden ~ and they never went to school until their beds were made.
We went to church every week and everyone was somehow a "participant".
We lived in a small community where everyone watched out for all of the other kids, as they were free to roam the streets and indeed, played in them.
Sports and Scouting were encouraged and enjoyed by most.
My husband had played professional sports, so was in great demand as a coach.
Also, as an Eagle Scout, he was recruited as the local Pack Master.
He relished every minute it.
However, my Girl Scout troop was the popular thing to belong to, so my two boys became Girl Scouts, along with our two girls.
Back packing, canoeing, sailing, camping, star identifying, all were immensely enjoyed.
Our entire family participated.
Exposing children to nature is especially beneficial for a balance in life.
"Feelings"?? Of course, they are important.
But primary to learning how to be a happy, successful and productive human ~ there are other attributes to maximize a kid's journey to adulthood.