Naming and Expressing Feelings
Teach children to understand and manage their big feelings.
- Print out this page and ask kids to point to a face and name the emotion. Give examples of when one of you has felt (or might feel) that way: “I feel ecstatic (really happy and excited) when it’s my birthday,” or “I felt sad when I broke my favorite toy” or “I feel frustrated if I have to wait to use the swing.” Explain that all the feelings are okay.
- Invite children to look at the feeling faces and choose one feeling to show on their own face. Try to guess what that feeling is. Can kids think of a time when they felt that way?
- Repeat with the different feelings. When challenging behavior occurs in the future, ask kids to name their feelings. You can refer to the chart, too.
Parenting Moment: Imitating
Playing is learning! The way you play with children matters… your actions and words have power.
Parenting Moment: Reflecting
The way you talk with children matters… your words have power!
Parenting Moment: Enjoying!
Showing you enjoy your time together with your child builds your special bond. And when you’re being positive, your little one is more likely to do the same.
The Power of Following Children’s Lead
Joining children in their play offers so many opportunities to encourage, communicate, bond, spark and share joy, teach, show warmth and kindness, and help them thrive.
Go To Sleep, Elmo!
Handling a middle-of-the-night monster moment.
Watch and Play: Abby's Magical Beasties
Watch this episode and explore ways to extend the learning at home.
Adult Teamwork in Children's Tough Moments
When it comes to supporting little ones with big feelings, providers and caregivers work better together!
