Little kids definitely have desires and jealousy. There are some emotions that don't show up at birth, but by three or four, they are all there.

The quote “Little kids definitely have desires and jealousy. There are some emotions that don't show up at birth, but by three or four, they are all there.” by Pete Docter highlights the development of emotions in early childhood. Docter, an American animator and director known for films like Inside Out, emphasizes that while some emotional responses are innate, many complex feelings such as jealousy and specific desires emerge as children grow and interact with their environment.

By noting that emotions “don’t show up at birth” but are present by ages three or four, Docter points to the role of cognitive and social development in shaping how children experience and express feelings. This observation aligns with developmental psychology, which suggests that as children’s brains mature, they gain self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to compare themselves with others, leading to more nuanced emotions like jealousy.

The quote also reflects Docter’s professional focus on exploring the emotional lives of children through storytelling. His films often depict how emotions influence behavior and relationships, illustrating the complexity of human feelings even at a young age. By acknowledging these emotions in children, he highlights the importance of understanding and guiding them as they learn to navigate their inner worlds.

Ultimately, this quote serves as a reminder that emotional development is a natural and essential part of childhood. Docter encourages awareness of children’s emerging emotions, such as desire and jealousy, suggesting that recognizing and addressing these feelings is key to fostering healthy psychological growth and empathy.