Expressing Feelings with the Mood Monster
There are playful and meaningful ways to make morning drop-offs and other separations a little easier.
Being apart can bring up big feelings for young children. Helping them learn about and express those big feelings can help make goodbyes a bit smoother. This printable page can be a great tool to help children name—and later understand and regulate—their big feelings.
Try this activity together with your child and put the finished mood monster it in a place she’ll see when she’s getting ready for the day (on the mirror where kids brush their teeth, or near their drawers of clothes, for example). Then, check in with her. Ask, “Can you use your mood monster to show me how you’re feeling today?” Tuning into how she’s feeling can help her feel cared for—and might even help you get ahead of some morning meltdowns.
Watch and Play: Grover's Super Suitycase
Watch this episode and explore ways to extend the learning at home.
Watch and Play: Cookie Monster's Big Puzzle
Watch this episode and explore ways to extend the learning at home.
Using Your Words
A coloring page helping children explore words for big feelings.
Creating Safety and a Sense of Home
Listen, Feel, and See with Elmo
When children are in the hospital, this mindfulness game can help them soothe themselves.
Cookie Monster’s Beach Day
When children are in the hospital, their imagination can become a valuable tool in soothing themselves.
Monster Meltdown
Meltdowns happen… but they are somewhat predictable! As you try to handle them, curiosity and patience go a long way.
