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How To Help Kids Talk About BIG Feelings (Free Printable)

We all have some big feelings, but imagine how our kids are feeling? Today I’m chatting about how to manage that, plus I’m giving you a free printable to help kids talk about big feelings.

How Can We Help Our Kids With Big Feelings?

One of the most important things we can do to help kids with big feelings is to be there for them, and show our support. This may mean taking the time to listen to their worries and fears without judgement, or providing a comforting hug when they’re feeling overwhelmed. We should also be patient and understanding, while encouraging positive coping strategies. This may include breathing exercises, physical activity, or other mindfulness techniques. It’s important to remember that every child is different and what works for one may not work for another.

We can also model healthy responses to our own big feelings, such as taking a break when we feel overwhelmed or talking through our worries with someone we trust. Teaching kids to give themselves permission to feel their emotions and how to self-soothe is an important part of helping them grow resilient.

Finally, it’s essential to create a safe space where children can talk about their feelings without fear of judgment or ridicule. Being open and honest with our own feelings will help demonstrate that all feelings, including the difficult ones, are acceptable and normal. Building strong relationships based on trust, acceptance, and understanding is critical for helping kids with big feelings. With love and support they can learn to navigate their emotions in healthy ways.

Free Printable To Help Kids Talk About Big Feelings

HOW TO HELP KIDS TALK ABOUT BIG FEELINGS

The great thing about this printable is that you can continue to use it even when this situation is all over. You can check in on how they are feeling about home dynamics, school, friends and even check in on what their favorite part of the day was.

Helping children talk about and express their big feelings is crucial for their emotional development and well-being. Children often experience emotions just as deeply as adults, but they may not yet have the tools or vocabulary to process and communicate these feelings. Here are steps and strategies to support kids in discussing their emotions:

  1. Create a Safe Space:
    • Ensure that the environment is conducive for open conversation. This means free from judgment, distractions, and immediate consequences.
  2. Use Books and Stories:
    • Reading stories where characters go through various emotions can be a gateway for discussing feelings. After reading, ask questions like, “How do you think the character felt?”
  3. Emotion Flashcards:
    • Visual aids can be useful for younger children. Create or purchase flashcards with different emotions depicted on them. Children can use these cards to indicate how they feel when they can’t find the words.
  4. Be a Good Listener:
    • Sometimes, kids just need someone to listen. Avoid interrupting, offer your full attention, and refrain from immediately jumping to solutions unless they’re sought.
  5. Validate Their Feelings:
    • Statements like “I understand why you’d feel that way” or “It’s okay to feel sad/angry/frustrated” help children recognize that their feelings are valid and natural.
  6. Teach Emotional Vocabulary:
    • Expand their emotional lexicon by introducing words that describe feelings. Instead of just ‘sad’, introduce terms like ‘disappointed’, ‘lonely’, or ‘upset’.
  7. Model Emotional Expression:
    • Children often emulate adults. If they see you talking about and managing your emotions in healthy ways, they’ll be more inclined to do the same.
  8. Encourage Artistic Expression:
    • Sometimes, words aren’t enough. Drawing, painting, or even acting can be therapeutic outlets for children to express their feelings.
  9. Use Play:
    • Play therapy techniques, such as using dolls or action figures, can help children enact scenarios that might be causing their emotions, giving insight into their feelings.
  10. Stay Calm:
    • Children can become more agitated if they see adults reacting strongly to their emotions. Maintain a calm demeanor, which will reassure them.
  11. Ask Open-ended Questions:
    • Instead of asking yes or no questions, try queries like “How did that make you feel?” or “Can you tell me more about it?”
  12. Teach Coping Mechanisms:
    • Discuss and practice techniques to manage big feelings, such as deep breathing, counting to ten, or using a calm-down corner.
  13. Reinforce Positive Expression:
    • When a child talks about their feelings or uses a coping mechanism, praise them for handling their emotions healthily.
  14. Seek Professional Help if Needed:
    • If a child consistently struggles with expressing their emotions or seems overwhelmed, it might be helpful to seek guidance from a therapist or counselor who specializes in child psychology.

Remember, the key is patience and understanding. Children are still navigating their emotional landscapes, and they will require consistent support and guidance as they learn to articulate their feelings.

Grab your free Kids Feelings Printable here!

Here are some more great free printables for kids for you to check out!

How do you help kids talk about big feelings? How are you dealing with your own?