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.
Safe & Together
When families have to leave home in order to stay safe, it helps to remember that home is where the love is.
Bubble Time
A quiet activity such as blowing bubbles can help both children and adults breathe deeply, slow down… and calm down.
Crayon Power
Coloring together can soothe both children and grown-ups.
See You Later Alligator
A special, loving good-bye routine can make separations easier.
Friendship Bracelets
When it’s hard to be apart from those we love, the littlest things can become big reminders that someone loves us and is thinking of us.
Cloud Watching
Spending time outside can feel like a “reset” on the day.
Pillow Hugs
Hugging a pillow covered with an item of a loved one’s clothing can help comfort children when they’re missing them.
