How to talk about feelings

Kids

Apr 13

How do I talk about feelings or emotions with my older toddlers and preschoolers? There are many ways to do this and whether or not there is a pandemic we all need reminders about talking about feelings and emotions.

I’m making the assumption that most of us have some sort of smart phone and these can be a great tool when there aren’t other options for emotion photos. A fun way that I recommend to do this is to take photos of your children when they are feeling happy with their different emotional faces. Happy, sad, mad, frustrated, surprised, confused, calm, impatient and so on…

If you are able to print them that’s great but it isn’t necessary in this case. When your child is having a difficult time in some way offer them these photos when they can’t tell you exactly what is happening. To make sure they feel supported through tough times make sure that you let them know you are ready to help when they are ready. Stay close and calm so they feel your presence during these tough times…

If and when they are able to let you know how they are feeling talk about what you can do to help them get back to a peaceful or happy place. Some suggestions of things they can “do” to help them feel better are: (to give them control over this part they can even point to the picture of what they have chosen or make the pictures by themselves) making a picture with whatever items you have available, take a breath with them, pretend to blow up a balloon, hug a person, hug a bear, squeeze play dough or a sensory ball if you have one, snuggle a baby, or softy snuggly item they have that gives them comfort.