Helping Kids Understand Feelings
January 20, 2021
COVID-19 has put unique stress on the ways children and families are able to experience emotions. With having to adapt to learning from home, missing friends, and having to avoid in person social activities. it is still important to help children continue to understand and process their emotions.
Activities:
- Encourage imaginative play
- Create flash cards with random words and have children tell a made up story using the word
- Read books together. While reading ask the child to describe emotions characters may be feeling during the story
- Practice breathing exercises and mindfulness activities
Apps (free):
- Mindful Powers
- Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street
- Smiling Mind
- Headspace for kids
- Calm
- Stop, Breath and Think Kids
- GoNoodle
Games:
Playing games helps children with self-control and problem solving. Almost any games- board games, card games, or playground games- teach children how to follow rules, take turns, wait patiently and deal with loosing. Plus, they are fun for everyone!
A helpful reminder:
Big emotions are hard for anyone to manage and sometimes they can get the best of us. When this happens to your child, try to help them understand what they are feeling and allow them space to calm down.