Emotions

     This simple tool can help your children (and you)understand their emotions

Parents who are looking for ways to improve communication with children, often find help with a feeling chart.  Download one at:

http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/feeling_charts.htm

The chart includes pictures in the style of the happy face, except with enough variations to express dozens of different emotions. Young children do not always know the words to express how they are feeling. With this chart, parents can help children look at the different emotions reflected on the faces and then come to understand what they are feeling.

A great exercise is to ask your child pick out his or her emotions from the chart. Then take it a step further and ask your child to pick out your emotions. Or what emotions did their friend have when they were visiting?  How did their emotions affect your child?  How did your child’s emotions affect their friend?

By doing this activity, you are helping your child in two ways:

1. Giving them the ability to name their emotions 
2. Opening their eyes to people around them, their emotions and the  effect of emotions on other people.